How Do I Upload or Download Files?

To upload or download files between two devices or between a device and a host, you can use the console port, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Secure Copy Protocol (SCP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), or FTP over Secure Sockets Layer (FTPS). The device and host can function as the server or client during file transfer. Table 1 describes the application scenarios, advantages, and disadvantages of each file transfer mode. You can select one mode based on actual requirements. For details about the file transfer modes, see "File Management" in the Configuration Guide - Basic Configuration of the corresponding product version.

**Table 1** File transfer modes
File Transfer Mode	Application Scenario	Advantage	Disadvantage
Console port	The console port can be used when no network environment is available or the switch's management interface is faulty or cannot be logged in to. This mode is implemented using the switch's BootROM or BootLoad menu.	Only one serial cable is required to connect a host and a device. No network connection is required so associated security risks are avoided.	The file transfer speed is low.
FTP	FTP can be used when security requirements are low; for example, during version upgrades.	FTP is easy to configure. This mode provides authorization and authentication functions.	FTP transmits data in plain text, resulting in potential security risks.
TFTP	TFTP can be used when the client and server do not need complex interactions, for example, online version uploads or upgrades on a lab local area network (LAN) in good conditions.	TFTP consumes fewer memory resources than FTP.	TFTP transmits data in plain text and does not provide authorization and authentication functions. There are potential security risks because the devices are prone to viruses and network attacks.
SFTP	SFTP can be used when security requirements are high; for example, log downloads and configuration file backups.	SFTP performs high-security encryption and integrity checks for data.	SFTP is complex to configure.
SCP	SCP can be used when security and performance requirements are high.	SCP performs high-security encryption and integrity checks for data. This mode features high efficiency because the same command is used to set up a connection between the client and server and complete the file upload/download operation simultaneously.	SCP is complex to configure (similar to SFTP).
FTPS	FTPS can be used when security and performance requirements are high.	FTPS uses data encryption, identity authentication, and message integrity checks to ensure security of TCP-based application layer protocols.	FTPS is complex to configure and requires Certificate Authority (CA)-issued certificates.

The console port uses XModem as the transmission protocol. Select the correct transmission protocol when you transfer files.
When TFTP is used, the device can function as the client only. When FTP, SFTP, SCP, or FTPS is used, the device can function as the client or server.
When uploading system files to a device, ensure that the power supply of the device is normal. Interruption of the power supply may result in file or file system corruption, and may prevent the device from working properly.
The device cannot automatically download files from a server at a specified time using the console port, FTP, SFTP, SCP, TFTP, or FTPS.