What distinguishes Trivial FTP (TFTP) from other FTP protocols?

Trivial FTP (TFTP) is distinguished from other FTP protocols primarily because it uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) instead of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This characteristic makes TFTP a simpler and lighter file transfer protocol. Unlike traditional FTP, which typically involves more overhead and complexity for establishing connections and ensuring data integrity, TFTP operates without the need for extensive error-checking mechanisms or authentication processes.

Since TFTP relies on UDP, it does not guarantee delivery of packets, nor does it implement any form of authentication, making it especially suitable for environments where simplicity and speed are prioritized over security. This is why TFTP is often utilized for tasks like booting diskless workstations or transferring configurations to devices within a trusted network, where the overhead of a more complex protocol is unnecessary.

The other options highlight features that are not characteristic of TFTP—such as the necessity for strong authentication methods, operation strictly at the application layer, and reliance on TCP for security—which do not apply to the operations and design philosophy of TFTP.