What is the primary function of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?

The primary function of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is to facilitate the transfer of files to and from servers. This protocol allows users to upload and download files efficiently over a network, making it a critical component for sharing and managing files in both personal and enterprise environments. FTP operates on a client-server model, where the client requests to transfer files and the server responds accordingly, which underscores its core utility in enabling file exchanges.

While FTP serves this primary purpose, other options address functions that fall outside its scope. For instance, initiating network security protocols and managing equipment configurations are tasks related to network management and security rather than file transfer. Additionally, data encryption during transmission is not a function of standard FTP, as it does not provide built-in encryption. This is where secure alternatives like SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) come into play, offering encrypted file transfers while maintaining the core functionality of transferring files.