A good TFTP server should be part of every admin’s toolkit.
We’ve rounded up some of the Best Free TFTP server applications we could find and compared them all below.
But first some basics:
What is TFTP?
TFTP, or Trivial File Transfer Protocol, is a very basic file transfer protocol. It’s simple, non-extensible, and usually used for transferring small files.
TFTP uses UDP, meaning it’s connection-less with no error checking, hence the term “trivial”.
It is best suited for transferring smaller files over a LAN, not a WAN or the Internet.
For a network administrator, TFTP is an essential way of backing up router and switch configuration files, or copying files for operating system upgrades. It could also be used to serve PXE boot files to thin-clients or network-based workstation installation systems.
There are a wide range of TFTP servers available, each with slightly different features. Some are very basic, others include more advanced features like security enhancements. Take a look at the picks we’ve rounded up below – you’re sure to find one that meets your needs!
A good TFTP server should be part of every admin’s toolkit. We’ve rounded up some of the best free TFTP server applications we could find and compared them all below. But first some basics:
What is TFTP?
TFTP, or Trivial File Transfer Protocol, is a very basic file transfer protocol. It is very simple, doesn’t have any security authentication, and usually used for transferring small files.
It uses UDP, which doesn’t have error checking like TCP does. And, it’s best suited for transferring smaller files over a LAN, rather than an larger network like the Internet.
For a network administrator, TFTP is an essential way of backing up router and switch configuration files.
It could also be used to providing PXE boot files to thin-clients or network-based workstation installation systems.
There’s a wide range of TFTP servers available, all with different features.
Some are very basic, others include security and other have more advanced features. Take a look at the picks we’ve rounded up below – you’re sure to find one that meets your needs!
Here’s the Best Syslog Servers of 2023:
SolarWinds Free TFTP Server (Free Download)
SolarWinds offers a range of free tools that complement their Orion suite of network management products, which we’ve recently reviewed. Their Free TFTP server has been very popular with admins thanks to its flexibility and ease-of-use.
The server can run as a Windows service and includes the ability to transfer large 4 GB files. It also runs as a multi-threaded program, allowing uploads from multiple network devices simultaneously.
On the security side of things, you can authorize specific IP addresses or ranges of IP addresses for transfers – helping to place some control around what is otherwise an unsecured service.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Simple interface, no clutter, fluff, or advertisements
- Available as a Windows service, allowing tasks to be scheduled
- Can authorize single IP addresses, or an entire range
- Lightweight install uses minimal resources
Cons:
- Like all TFTP servers, you will still need technical experience to set the service up properly
Download:
WhatsUp Gold TFTP Server
WhatsUp Gold makes a wide range of great network management software. (We reviewed WhatsUp Gold Premium here.) Their Free TFTP Server is just as good as any of their paid products.
Their TFTP server supports large file transfers, up to 4 GB, and runs as a Windows service. It also has some great security features – including the ability to restrict client permissions to the server and restrict TFTP server availability by subnet.
It also allows the server to be bound to either a single IP address, or all available addresses on the server – giving you an extra level of control over what ports you’re exposing.
Pros:
- Uses simple visualizations to help provide at-a-glance insights
- Supports modular pricing, allowing companies to pay only for features they intend to use
- Ideal for SMB environments
- Excellent dashboard and reporting visuals
- Can monitor LANs, WANs, and cloud-based applications such as container environments
Cons:
- Modular upgrades might not be a good fit if you intend on utilizing all aspects of a networking monitor
Download:
TFTPD32 from Philippe Jounin
TFTPD32 has become the go-to TFTP server for many admins ever since Cisco and 3Com stopped providing TFTP software years ago.
TFTPD32 is free open source, and includes a number of useful additional server features like Syslog, SNTP, DHCP, and DNS. And don’t let the name fool you – there’s a 64-bit version available for newer O/Ses too, called TFTPD64.
The TFTP server component is multithreaded to support multiple uploads at once, and has some security features, as well as interface filtering.
Pros:
- Open-source tool, completely transparent
- Has a simple interface that gets the job done and is easy to navigate
- Offers a host of configurable options
- Can track file transfers via log, or visually in real-time as they come in
Cons:
- More complicated option has options for DNS, DHCP, and timeclock servers
- Has a higher learning curve than other options
Download:
WinAgents TFTP Server
WinAgents TFTP Server is a multithreaded, full-featured TFTP Server for Windows. It’s very easy to use, and surprisingly scalable.
Designed to function 24×7, WinAgents TFTP Server runs as a background task and doesn’t require permanent attendance.
It includes several advanced capabilities, such as: tsize, blksize, timeout modifications, server port ranges, and block number rollover for large files.
Pros:
- Easy to use, better for non-technical users
- Only uses a single UDP port, making it easier to manage behind a firewall
- Simple user interface is easy to pick up on
Cons:
- Access controls are limited, not as detailed as other solutions
- Not the best option for long-term heavy use in a business environment
Download:
In Summary
All of these tools should provide the basic functionality that most admins need in a TFTP server – they just go about it in different ways. Install your TFTP server today, and rest easy knowing that you have a way to back-up critical configuration files.
