Which port is the FTPS data channel? (FTP over SSL data)

Which port is the FTPS data channel? (FTP over SSL data)

• A. 21
• B. 20
• C. 990
• D. 989

Answer: (D)

FTPS can operate in two modes: implicit and explicit TLS. In implicit FTPS, the TLS handshake starts as soon as the connection is made, and the data and control channels use fixed ports. The standard pair for implicit FTPS is the control channel on 990 and the data channel on 989. That makes 989 the port used for the FTPS data channel. If you were using explicit FTPS, the TLS upgrade happens over the standard FTP control port (21) and the data channel port would follow normal FTP behavior (20 for active mode or a dynamically negotiated port for passive mode), not a fixed 989.

FTPS can operate in two modes: implicit and explicit TLS. In implicit FTPS, the TLS handshake starts as soon as the connection is made, and the data and control channels use fixed ports. The standard pair for implicit FTPS is the control channel on 990 and the data channel on 989. That makes 989 the port used for the FTPS data channel. If you were using explicit FTPS, the TLS upgrade happens over the standard FTP control port (21) and the data channel port would follow normal FTP behavior (20 for active mode or a dynamically negotiated port for passive mode), not a fixed 989.