For file transfer, does ftp perform better than http?

Question

When I have http as well as ftp options (like the Hadoop download page), should I prefer ftp?

I have tried ftp before and did not notice any significant difference. Is it supposed to perform better?

Answer 1

Stolen from eHow, link at the bottom

Advantages and Disadvantages of HTTP

HTTP uploads provide an incredibly simple method of uploading files to a server, with minimal knowledge about file transfers. Downloading a file is also incredibly easy too. However, the disadvantages lie in HTTP's lack of power when it comes to file uploading. Also, a programmer needs to have the knowledge required to create the form in HTML, in order to upload the file in question. This especially is true if the file is for a social network similar to Myspace or Facebook that they're creating.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FTP

Using a FTP server offers advantages of its own. For one, a user can use a program to perform a mass upload to a server, not having to worry about repeatedly having to rebrowse for files and re-upload them using one form. Downloads can also be done en masse as well. Unfortunately, an FTP server still requires an FTP client to use, and the use of one would be particularly cumbersome to those who just wanted to upload a picture or two.

Differences

Ultimately, FTP and HTTP file transfers have completely different purposes. FTP's file transfer purpose is more or less for website maintenance and batch uploads, while HTTP is for client-end work and for end users to upload things such as movies, pictures and other files to the server. Often times, a programmer will use FTP to upload the files that allow an end-user to upload files via HTML/HTTP as well.

Read more: HTTP Vs. FTP File Transfer | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5435784_http-vs-ftp-file-transfer.html#ixzz0wlUSkVIY

Answer 2

In general, general answers about network performance of a protocol are very difficult, because performance very much depends on the specific network setup, often more than on the protocol used.

That said, I do not know of any reason why the data throughput of http and ftp should be different. Both basically just send data over a TCP stream, so the actual data transfer process is the same. So, no, in general download speeds should be the same for ftp and http.

http is usually preferred for other reasons: It works better with firewalls (can be proxied), it allows restart of interrupted downloads, and can supply the media type along with the download (MIME), it is easier to encrypt (TLS/SSL), etc...