TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

Which IP protocol should be implemented to allow user authentication for downloading files?

1. HTTP

2. FTP

3. SMTP

4. Telnet

The correct answer is: FTP

The implementation of FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is particularly suited for user authentication while downloading files due to its built-in support for user credentials. FTP allows users to log in with a username and password, ensuring that only authorized users can access specific files and directories on a server. This is especially valuable in environments where file security is critical, as it adds a layer of protection by limiting access based on authenticated credentials. In contrast, the other protocols listed do not inherently provide such authentication features for file downloads. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) primarily facilitates the transfer of hypermedia documents and does not include built-in mechanisms for user authentication when downloading files, unless used in conjunction with additional security methods like HTTPS. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is designed for sending emails rather than file transfers and thus is not relevant in this context. Telnet, while capable of providing command line access to a remote machine, transmits data unencrypted and is generally not used for file transfers, especially where user authentication is a primary concern.