Installing and Configuring a TFTP Server for Network Devices

In this guide, you will learn how to install and configure a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server on Windows. TFTP is a simple protocol used primarily for transferring small files, such as firmware updates or configuration backups, between network devices like switches and routers.

Step 1: Download and Installation

We will use the popular open-source software Tftpd64 (or Tftpd32) by Philippe Jounin. It is highly recommended due to its simplicity and reliability.

1. Get the Portable Version

Go to the official website and download the "Portable" zip file version. This version does not require a full installation process; you simply extract it and run the executable directly.

2. Run the Application

Extract the ZIP file contents to a folder. You will see just a few files, including the main .exe. Double-click it to launch the server.

Step 2: Server Configuration

Before transferring files, we need to configure the base directory and disable unnecessary services.

1. Disable Extra Services

Click the Settings button. By default, Tftpd64 enables multiple services like DHCP, DNS, and Syslog. Uncheck all boxes except for TFTP Server to keep the application lightweight and focused. The application will restart to apply these changes.

2. Set the TFTP Root Directory

Go back to Settings and select the TFTP tab. Use the "Browse" button to select the folder where you want to store your files (e.g., C:\tftp_backups).

3. Security and Bindings

Ensure the security level is set to Standard. Bind the TFTP server to the specific IP address of your Windows machine to ensure it listens on the correct network interface.

Step 3: Firewall Configuration (Crucial)

TFTP uses UDP Port 69. If your Windows Firewall blocks this port, file transfers will silently fail.

1. Create an Inbound Rule

Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

Create a New Rule for Inbound traffic.
Select Port and choose UDP.
Enter specific local port: 69.
Allow the connection for all network profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
Name the rule "TFTP Port 69" and finish.

Step 4: Testing with a Linux Client

To verify the setup, we can try to send a file from a Linux machine (e.g., Ubuntu) to our Windows TFTP server.

1. Install TFTP Client

On your Ubuntu machine, install the client using the following command:

sudo apt install tftp-hpa

2. Create a Test File

Create a simple text file to transfer:

nano test
# Add content like "test 1 2 3 4" and save

3. Transfer the File

Connect to your Windows server and upload the file using the put command:

tftp 
tftp> put test

If successful, you will see the file appear in your C:\tftp_backups folder on Windows immediately.

Step 5: Real-World Use Case (Aruba Switch Backup)

A common administrative task is backing up network switch configurations. Here is how to do it on an Aruba (HP) switch.

1. SSH into the Switch

2. Execute the Backup Command

Run the following command to copy the running configuration to your TFTP server. Note the syntax requires cli at the end to ensure it saves as a readable text file.

copy running-config tftp:///switch_backup_cli

The file will be transferred instantly. You can open it on your Windows machine with Notepad to verify the configuration backup is complete.

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