What kind of protocol is FTP categorized as?

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is categorized as a network protocol primarily because it enables the transfer of files between a client and a server over a network. As a network protocol, FTP defines how data is packaged, transmitted, and received, focusing on the aspects necessary for communication between computers within a network, such as error checking, data integrity, and maintaining clear communication channels.

While it does facilitate communication of files, its primary function is tied directly to networking rather than merely being about communication protocols in a broader sense, which can cover a range of applications beyond file transfers. Furthermore, it operates at the application layer of the Internet Protocol Suite, where it enables various types of file operations, such as uploading and downloading files, which are essential functions in networked environments.

In contrast, a security protocol focuses on securing data during transmission, a database protocol governs the communication between a database and a client, and a communication protocol generally addresses the rules for data exchange over networks. These categories, while related to data exchange and communication, do not capture the primary role of FTP in the same manner as a network protocol does.