15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows/Linux (Network File Transfers)
15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows/Linux (Network File Transfers). Trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) is a simple file transfer mechanism used by network and system administrators to send data across local networks. Lightweight and suitable for transferring files such as system configurations and firmware updates. This protocol also enables system admins to boot diskless PCs from the network using the BOOTP protocol.
Actually, TFTP in itself is a file transfer protocol. There are numerous TFTP servers you can rely on to transfer files. Basically, this protocol is found in multiple devices, including mobile phones, routers, and media streamers. Hence, this article discusses 15 of the best TFTP servers you can rely on for data transfer.
Let’s start with 15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows/Linux (Network File Transfers). Please read on!
How Does TFTP Servers Work?
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Firstly, TFTP servers are used to transfer small files across LAN networks using UDP. Most TFTP servers are lightweight and relatively easy to send files or firmware updates to devices. Therefore they minimize network resource usage, making it easier to update devices or firmware.
Using a TFTP server you can push firmware updates to devices simultaneously. Meaning, you don’t have to spend many hours performing a single task over and over because TFTP automates the process.
For file transfer, the client has to open the server socket on the server’s IP address on port 69. This is because the server depends on this port to establish your UDP connection with the client. After establishing the connection, the client makes a request to the server. For instance, it can send a read request (RRQ) or a write request (WRQ) to enable file transfer.
Additionally, the TFTP server sends files in blocks of 512 bytes. After sending each block, the client approves so that the server can send more blocks. In turn, this process continues until all blocks are sent. Please follow this article to read about 15 of the best TFTP servers you can utilize for a hassle free network file transfer:
15 Best TFTP Servers (Network File Transfers)
1. TFTPD64
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Well, the first tool on the list of 15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows/Linux (Network File Transfers) is TFTPD64. Primarily, a lightweight, opensource IPv6 application includes DNS SNTP, TFTP DHCP, and a TFTP client. Ideally, it’s a complete suite of tools that offer customization and monitoring options. Both the server and the client are fully compatible with TFTP. This allows for maximum performance during data transfer. Additionally, this tool has multiple other features, including interface filtering, security tuning, and a directory facility.
Pros of TFTPD64
- Numerous other tools in its ecosystem, such as a Syslog server, SNTP server, DHCP server, and DNS server.
- Easy to use interface that enables you to navigate your operations easily.
- Logging feature for tracking file transfers that you can view in real time to detect the state of your transfers.
- Has a 32-bit application with similar capabilities.
Cons of TFTPD64
- The wide array of tools makes it more complicated.
- Steep learning curve compared to other TFTP servers.
2. Spiceworks TFTP
Spiceworks TFTP server allows you to view network configurations alongside the current backups. Thanks to that, it enables you to make accurate comparisons and identify devices that run on outdated software. Leveraging the insights, you can spot anomalies in various network segments quickly. Also, it enables you to backup network configurations to file and restore these configurations to devices easily.
Furthermore, Spiceworks provides numerous other IT management tools for monitoring, performance, and security. Ideally, Spiceworks provides tools for monitoring device performance, cloud workloads, DNS servers, and more. These tools are free for use and provide a wide range of capabilities.
Pros of Spiceworks TFTP
- Send alerts in real time to notify you of any changes in the device’s configurations.
- You can utilize other Spiceworks tools to manage your IT resources.
- Has visual dashboards ideal for new users.
- The configuration comparison tool provides easier network management.
- Pushes updates to keep all devices up to date.
Cons of Spiceworks TFTP
- Not easily scalable.
- Not suitable for large scale business operations.
3. SolarWinds TFTP
Solarwinds is a network performance monitoring tool that enables network administrators to stay in touch with all issues in their networks. It has 60+ tools, including a TFTP server designed to help with network file transfers. This server provides all must have network utilities in a single, unified package. Simple yet effective, enabling users to upload and download executable images easily and also configure routers and switches.
Generally, TFTP server is augmented by many other tools within the SolarWinds ecosystem. Surely, it discovers issues in your network in real time and send alerts enabling you to remediate them. Some of its capabilities include Mac-to-IP relationships, switch port mapping, and many others.
Pros of SolarWinds TFTP
- Multi user administration that allows advanced device configuration.
- Full configuration management including auditing firmware updates and push device OS.
- Allows you to authorize a specific IP or multiple IP addresses at once.
- Transfer files from multiple devices concurrently.
- Runs a Windows Service that operates even when the user logs off.
Cons of SolarWinds TFTP
- Advanced features are only available on the network configuration manager package that starts at $2,995.
- Requires technical expertise to configure it properly.
4. Windows TFTP Utility
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The Windows TFTP Utility is a file transfer server for Windows systems. A lightweight server with almost no configuration options, which allows it to be fast. Moreover, this server relies on the .NET Framework installed for other applications. Ideally, this tool was designed for developers who need an entry level TFTP server to work with.
Pros of Windows TFTP Utility
- Easily accessible from the control panel on newer versions of Windows.
- Fast file transfer speeds.
- Suitable for Microsoft developers.
- As a small footprint that allows maximum performance.
Cons of Windows TFTP Utility
- It does not have configuration options.
- Not suitable for large companies that are looking for advanced TFTP capabilities.
- It lacks a fancy GUI.
5. WinAgents TFTP Server
WinAgents TFTP is a fully fledged TFTP server for all your network file transfers. Henceforth, this server supports the transmission of files via FTP protocol where Network Address Translation (NAT) is enabled. Highly scalable and has a full feature set that makes it a handy option, especially for companies that transfer large files.
Indeed, this TFTP server runs on Windows. Therefore you don’t have to worry about running the executable file which is the case with most servers. Some of its other features include timeout modifications permission assignment by IP address, tsize, and blksize. Besides, there’s an enterprise version with more advanced features.
Pros of WinAgents TFTP Server
- Has full TFTP option support which enables administrators to achieve maximum performance when transferring data.
- Supports firewalls enabling the user to regulate firewall rules and approve traffic.
- Implemented as a system Windows Service.
- Provides flexible client IP address setup.
- Comes with graphic utilities for setting up the server as well as server status control.
Cons of WinAgents TFTP Server
- The wide range of features makes it a little bit buggy.
- Encounters low performance, especially when transferring large files.
6. WhatsUp TFTP Server
WhatsUp TFTP server is a configuration management server that enables you to upload configuration files to devices easily. Ideal for network engineers, as it provides a simple transfer mechanism of network configuration. This server has an effective way of transferring files back and forth to switches and firewalls as required. Due to its design and functionality, this server was designed for use by network engineers looking for a 24/7 service based solution.
Pros of WhatsUp TFTP Server
Cons of WhatsUp TFTP Server
- It has limited documentation.
- Compared to other TFTP servers, it has a steep learning curve.
7. ATFTPD
Advanced TFTP server (ATFTPD) is a Linux based network file transfer server. It’s a multi threaded server that supports the multicast protocol known as MTFTP. ATFTPD supports all RFC implementations of the protocol, such as RFC1350, RFC2349, RFC2347, RFC2348, and RFC2090. Since this server supports multi threading and multicast, you can use it to serve boot files and perform mass boot for hundreds of machines simultaneously.
Pros of ATFTPD
- Lightweight CLI tool that performs file transfers with high speeds.
- Has a simple configuration process done during installation.
- Free for use.
- It can boot loads of machines together.
Cons of ATFTPD
- It is only available as a command line.
- When using this server, you also need a TFTP client.
8. TFTPD-hpa
Tftpd-hpa is a Linux based server for transferring files over local networks. You can install this server on any Linux machine and configure it easily for file transfer. Supports remote booting for diskless devices and supports full IP options for both IPv4 and IPv6. This tool is also useful in booting of images and bug fixing.
Pros of TFTPD-hpa
- Easy to install and configure.
- Good images of a network to different PXE machines.
- A suitable for file remapping.
- Runs as a standalone to perform various tasks.
Cons of TFTPD-hpa
- Does not work on Windows systems.
- Has limited documentation.
9. haneWIN TFTP
haneWIN TFTP server is a multi threaded server best on the RFC 1350. This server has a multi threaded architecture that helps it achieve maximum reliability and performance during data transfer. Also, it supports TFTP multicast operation and PXE multicast as specified in RFC 2090. Likewise, this server runs in the background to allow efficient file transfer and gives access control for all types of operations. Unlike other TFTP servers, haneWIN allows the operator to restrict access to downloads and uploads by IP address.
This FTP server combines both client and server applications in a single installation. Therefore you don’t have to rely on third-party clients. Other features include transfer size, block size, and timeout options.
Pros of haneWIN TFTP Server
- It has an authentication process unlike most common TFTP servers.
- Configure the server for data transfer via different UDP ports besides Port 69 based on your firewall and traffic settings.
- Unique control panel where you can access all services.
- It is a pipe option that enables you to receive data directly into another application.
Cons of haneWIN TFTP Server
- It is an extremely steep learning curve due to the numerous technical features.
- It does not have a user friendly interface.
10. Pinkie TFTP Server
Pinkie is a suite of Windows network monitoring tools that provide various network management capabilities including performance security and data transfer. Upon opening the Pinkie dashboard, there is a tab where you can access all tools. One of these is a TFTP server that picks up any messages sent to his own port 69.
Markedly, Pinkie has a very interactive interface compared to most network troubleshooting tools. Other tools under Pinkie include Port Scanner, PingSweep, Traceroute, and DNS check. Besides, handling network file transfers, it also perform DNS lookups, ping most hosts simultaneously, and much more.
Pros of Pinkie
- Includes multiple other features and options to run traceroutes and ping directly from the tool.
- Provides an easy way of organizing configurations by tabs and reducing clutter.
- Lightweight tool that consumes insignificant amounts of RAM and CPU.
- Interactive user interface and intuitive dashboards suitable for new users.
Cons of Pinkie
- The workspace is complicated if you have a large number of transactions.
- Gets cluttered when you see all utilities simultaneously.
11. Serva TFTP
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Serva is a pre boot execution environment that provides all the required network resources to clients PCs to boot from network devices. For that reason, Serva consists of TFTP and DHCP servers. This lightweight Windows application is designed mainly as an automated PXE server solution accelerator. It bundles together all the underlying server services and protocols required by the complex PXE network in a single executable file and delivers them to the client. Other Serva TFTP features include a Syslog server, DNS Server, BINL server, and proxyDHCP.
Pros of Serva TFTP
- Ideal for testing websites.
- Has powerful transfer protocols for immediate network OS installation.
- Easy to set up and configure.
- Full native C/C++ multithreaded application.
Cons of Serva TFTP
- Low network file transfer speeds.
- Prone to interruptions during file transfers.
12. Open Hub TFTP Server
Open Hub TFTP server is a managed server implementation that supports multiple TFTP options, including timeout, transfer size, and block size. Besides, this server supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. You can use it to perform many concurrent transfers as it has no transfer size limit.
Pros of Open Hub TFTP Server
- Single port mode.
- Handles multiple transfers concurrently.
- Has a permissive license for commercial use.
- Has extensive logging capabilities.
Cons of Open Hub TFTP Server
- Has limited documentation.
- Suitable for developers only.
13. Open TFTP Server
Open TFTP server is a multi threaded utility tool by SourceForge. Designed to run various processing threads at a go. Using it, you can track simultaneous instances of TFTP devices. Also, you can manage PXE, firmware, and much more.
Particularly, Open TFTP server can run as a service for windows or a daemon for UNIX. Besides, it has multiple features, such as thread pools and changeable port ranges. These features make it suitable for factory and automation environments, especially where you manage configuration files for old equipment. This server allows you to run multiple processing threads at the same time.
Pros of Open TFTP Server
- Advanced log in capabilities suitable for forecasting and in depth analysis.
- Uses minimal system resources leaving a small footprint.
- You can specify server ports and interfaces.
- Supports almost all industry standard features.
- Uses thread pools for optimal performance.
Cons of Open TFTP Server
- Not suitable for businesses and fast-paced file transfer environments.
- Does not have a zip binary package for deployment without an installer.
14. Fog Project TFTP
Fog Project is an open source Linux based server solution for network planning and management. This server allows you to create and deploy various Linux versions. The TFTP downloads the boot files specified by either DHCP or ProxyDHCP. Using this file, you configure the boot setup easily.
Pros of Fog Project TFTP
- Works flawlessly on Linux systems.
- Minimal resource usage.
- Allows you to remove blocks and restore deleted files.
- Remotely manages printers and performs shutdown/reboot.
Cons of Fog Project TFTP
- Has installation problems.
- Requires understanding of the command line.
15. Tiny PXE Server
Last on this list of 15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows/Linux (Network File Transfers) is Tiny PXE. Significantly, a small PXE server that includes DHCP and TFTP. This server does not require installation as you can easily run it from a USB device. Using Tiny PXE Server, you can perform a diskless boot without storage media on the systems. The TFTP client enables you to transfer data with full TFTP support.
Pros of Tiny PXE Server
- Does not require installation.
- No memory resource usage.
- It can troubleshoot system problems.
- Free for use.
Cons of Tiny PXE Server
- Poor scripting capabilities.
- Limited documentation.
- No live support.
Thank you for reading 15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows/Linux (Network File Transfers). We shall now conclude.
15 Best TFTP Servers for Windows / Linux (Network File Transfers) Conclusion
To conclude, these TFTP servers enable you to transfer network files effortlessly. They are designed using the client server model and have advanced features. Some TFTP servers, such as Spiceworks and SolarWinds, are part of comprehensive network management tools. Utilizing these tools come with lots of additional features ideal for network management. Therefore, you should choose a tool that provides handy capabilities and integrates seamlessly within your network environment.
