Which file transfer protocol uses UDP and is intended for simple transfers on local networks?

• A. tftp
• B. ftp
• C. scp
• D. sftp

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is a lightweight, UDP-based file transfer designed for simple tasks in trusted local networks. TFTP works over UDP, which is connectionless and has less overhead than TCP. Because it avoids the complexity of establishing a reliable connection and handling extensive authentication, it’s fast and easy to implement for small transfers. Its feature set is minimal: basic commands to read or write a file, with data blocks and simple acknowledgments, and no built-in user authentication. This simplicity is ideal for local-network scenarios like bootstrapping devices or transferring small firmware or configuration files where security is managed by the trusted network and the transfer needs to be quick and uncomplicated.

In contrast, FTP uses TCP and includes login requirements and more features, while SCP and SFTP run over SSH to provide secure, encrypted transfers. Those are reliable but heavier and oriented toward secure, authenticated transfers, often over networks beyond a trusted local segment. That combination—UDP and minimal, local-network suitability—fits TFTP best.