Run a TFTP Server on Mac OS X

To upgrade firmware or upload config backup on networking devices TFTP server often comes handy. In my job I usually have access tosuch server, but in some cases when network access is limited or not available I configure a TFTP server on my laptop. For Linux see: Install and run a TFTP server

Mac OS X has a tftp server included, it's eazy to start it and do a minor configuration. First see if there are any commands related to tftp.

apropos tftp

You should get answer like this.

tftp(1) - trivial file transfer program
tftpd(8) - DARPA Internet Trivial File Transfer Pro

You can start it with launchctl

sudo launchctl load -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist

To confirm it’s running use netstat to check what is listening on its port, traditionally port 69.

netstat -na |grep \*.69

Should get answer like this.

udp6       0      0  *.69                   *.*
udp4       0      0  *.69                   *.*

It's a good idea to symlink the tftpboot to a folder you have full control over because OS X El Capitan has strong security via its System Integrity Protection (SIP) which makes things more difficult.

cd /private/
sudo rm -rf tftpboot
mkdir /Users/<username>/tftpboot
sudo ln -s /Users/<username>/tftpboot tftpboot
sudo launchctl unload -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist
sudo launchctl load -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist

When you’re not using the TFTP server, make sure to unload the service.

sudo launchctl unload -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist
netstat -na |grep \*.69

The netstat should return nothing.

-cheers

Install and run a TFTP server

In some cases I need tftp server. The method to install the tftp server is very easy.

First install following packages.

$ sudo apt-get install xinetd tftpd tftp

Create /etc/xinetd.d/tftp and add code

service tftp
{
protocol        = udp
port            = 69
socket_type     = dgram
wait            = yes
user            = nobody
server          = /usr/sbin/in.tftpd
server_args     = /tftpboot
disable         = no
}

Create a folder  /tftpboot and modify privileges

$ sudo mkdir /tftpboot
$ sudo chmod -R 777 /tftpboot
$ sudo chown -R nobody /tftpboot

Restart the xinetd service.

$ sudo /etc/init.d/xinetd restart

Now the tftp server is up and running. For MAC OS X see: Run a TFTP Server on Mac OS X

Note:

My install was on Ubuntu 13.10

Edit:
Oct, 2014 installed on Mint 17