Introduction
SoftPerfect TFTP Server is a standards-compliant TFTP server implementing the full RFC 1350 specification with modern extensions for improved performance. It provides a simple way to transfer files using the Trivial File Transfer Protocol, commonly used for network booting, firmware updates, and configuration file distribution.
The server comes in three deployment options to suit different needs:
- GUI application — A graphical interface with live transfer monitoring, ideal for interactive use and troubleshooting.
- Console application — A lightweight command-line version for scripting, headless servers, and automation.
- Windows service — Runs in the background without requiring user login, perfect for unattended 24/7 operation.
Key features
- RFC compliant — Full RFC 1350 implementation with modern extensions: RFC 2347 option negotiation, RFC 2348 block size, RFC 2349 transfer size and timeout, RFC 7440 window size.
- Cross-platform — Available for Windows (32/64-bit, ARM64), macOS, and Linux.
- Large file support — Transfers files larger than 4GB using block number wrapping.
- High performance — Configurable block sizes up to 64KB and windowed transfers for improved throughput.
- Security controls — IP allow/block lists with CIDR notation, path traversal protection, and file extension filtering.
- IPv6 ready — Full IPv6 support alongside IPv4.
Common use cases
- Network device firmware updates (routers, switches, IP phones)
- PXE and network booting for diskless workstations
- VoIP and IP phone provisioning
- Embedded systems development
- Network equipment configuration backup
- Lab and testing environments