Which protocol is used to upload and download files over the Internet?

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is specifically designed for transferring files over the Internet. It allows users to upload and download files from a server, making it an essential tool for managing files on web servers or transferring data between computers. FTP provides a way to authenticate users and establish a connection, enabling them to navigate through directories and transfer files efficiently.

The other protocols mentioned serve entirely different functions. For instance, Post Office Protocol (POP) and Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) are used for retrieving and managing emails from a mail server, focusing on the handling of emails rather than file transfer. Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) facilitates the distribution of Usenet news articles, which is unrelated to file upload/download tasks. This distinction highlights FTP’s unique role in file management on the Internet.