In networking, what is anonymous FTP and why would an organisation provide anonymous FTP access to users on the internet?

Introduction / Context:
File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is an older but still relevant method for transferring files over the internet. Some servers historically allowed anonymous FTP, which lets users download files without having personal usernames and passwords. Networking and security exams often include questions asking what anonymous FTP is and why it might be used, to test both technical understanding and awareness of access control implications.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• FTP is a client server protocol used for file transfers.
• Standard FTP usually requires a username and password for login.
• Anonymous FTP is a special configuration where a generic account is used.
• The focus is on public, non confidential file distribution.

Concept / Approach:
Anonymous FTP allows users to log in using a generic username, commonly anonymous, and often a dummy password such as an email address. This configuration is used to provide public read only access to files such as software updates, documentation, or data sets. The organisation does not need to create individual accounts for each user and can still control which directories and files are publicly accessible. The correct answer must recognise both the method of login and the typical purpose, which is convenient public file distribution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that on a normal FTP server, users authenticate with a specific username and password, which controls their permissions. Step 2: In anonymous FTP, the server is configured to accept connections where the user logs in as anonymous or guest, with a standard or unused password. Step 3: Once logged in, the user is usually restricted to a public directory tree, where they can download files but cannot modify or upload content. Step 4: Organisations use anonymous FTP to distribute files widely without managing individual credentials. Step 5: Option a describes this scenario accurately, mentioning generic accounts and access to public files without personal user accounts. Step 6: Options b, c, and d describe VPNs, Wi Fi behaviour, or phone devices, which do not match the meaning of anonymous FTP.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historically, many open source software projects and universities hosted public FTP servers where users could log in anonymously, browse directories, and download files. Documentation often instructed users to log in with username anonymous and provide their email address as a courtesy password. This widely documented practice aligns perfectly with the description in option a and confirms that anonymous FTP is about public, unauthenticated file access rather than encryption or wireless networking.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is wrong because VPN tunnels are not called anonymous FTP and are used for secure network level connectivity, not specifically for file transfer over FTP. Option c is incorrect because hiding SSIDs in Wi Fi has nothing to do with FTP. Option d refers to telephone hardware and is unrelated to internet file transfer protocols.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to assume that anonymous FTP means encrypted or private, when in fact it usually involves public access and often runs without encryption. This can be a security risk if sensitive files are placed in publicly accessible directories by mistake. Another mistake is to think that anonymous FTP is obsolete; while less common now due to HTTP based downloads, the concept still appears in legacy systems and exam questions. Remembering that anonymous FTP is about public, password free access to files helps in answering such questions correctly.

Final Answer:
It is FTP access that allows users to log in with a generic account such as anonymous or guest to download public files without needing individual user accounts.