[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|20%|1.5em|20%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
For many years, FTP was the best solution for transferring large files. While using an FTP connection is still useful, it\u2019s also showing its age. There are modern alternatives to an FTP server<\/a> that are easier to set up, more secure, and faster.<\/p>\n But if you have no choice in using an FTP server, then this article is for you.<\/p>\n Learn how to set up an FTP server<\/strong> and give your collaborators FTP access below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Easy and Secure File Transfer” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Sign-Up for MASV” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Need to transfer large files without the hassle of an FTP server?<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|20%|1.5em|20%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”24px” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”|-54px|0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|20%|1.5em|20%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”physical” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An FTP server is a central place to share and access files remotely<\/strong> using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP)<\/a> \u2014 a method for transferring files between computers. You and your remote collaborators can use FTP client apps on your computers to get FTP access and put files on the FTP site.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/FTP-Server.png” alt=”FTP Server” title_text=”FTP-Server” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FTP is probably the oldest protocol still used today for data transfer on the internet. That\u2019s a good thing and a bad thing.<\/p>\n The good thing is that for many years FTP was the best solution for remote file sharing, so it\u2019s still supported by many operating systems and applications.<\/p>\n The bad thing is that FTP can cause problems because it wasn\u2019t originally designed to meet modern expectations for ease of use, security, and performance\u2014especially for a new user. Modern FTP server software has done a great job keeping up, but using FTP typically means more complexity, not only for the FTP server itself but for the computer and network that the server runs on.<\/p>\n To help with complexity, users can take advantage of administrative tools such as an FTP server manager to help with configuration\u2014which can help simplify elements such as connection timeouts and port forwarding\u2014and server settings<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Related<\/strong>: How to Protect Against Content Piracy<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|20%|1.5em|20%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”physical” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are quite a few FTP servers<\/a> that you can use. To help you choose, keep the following in mind.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are a few methods to transfer files securely using FTP traffic. Make sure your FTP client and server support the same methods:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”physical” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_4_text_color=”#444444″ background_color=”rgba(158,213,247,0.19)” custom_padding=”2%|3%|2%|3%|false|true” border_width_left=”5px” border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n *SSH is a network protocol for encrypting a connection between 2 computers. It was originally developed to securely log in to command lines on remote computers. Since then it has evolved to handle other operations, like file transfer. <\/span><\/p>\n TLS is another network encryption protocol. It\u2019s aimed at providing secure connections for applications like email, web, and FTP.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some FTP servers go a step further with security features in the server software itself. Older FTP servers used the host operating system for tasks that were potential security weaknesses. Some modern FTP servers avoid this by implementing their own, more secure methods for doing the same tasks.<\/p>\n It’s also worth noting that using a dedicated server for your FTP site can help keep your files more secure (and allow for better performance when sending files through an FTP connection).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On the computer that will host your FTP site, you\u2019ll need an FTP account with administrator or root privileges to install, configure, and administer the server.<\/p>\n Make sure that the FTP server software you choose supports your host computer\u2019s operating system. This shouldn\u2019t be a problem because there\u2019s FTP server software for Windows, macOS, Linux, and practically any other operating system that connects to the internet.<\/p>\n Also make sure that the computer has enough disk space to store the FTP folder and files that you and any other FTP user will be getting and putting.<\/p>\n Because of FTP\u2019s security risks, your network might be configured to block FTP. Talk to your IT team\u2019s network administrator or your ISP about opening the relevant port or ports in your firewall<\/p>\n See your FTP server\u2019s documentation or user guide and talk to your network administrator for details.<\/p>\n If your FTP server will ultimately handle many clients, consider upgrading your network connection or your server computer. FTP server software is designed to reliably handle hundreds or even thousands of clients but the server\u2019s actual performance is still limited by the server computer and your network.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to spend the time and money to purchase and manage a physical computer, you can create an FTP server using a public or private cloud. Your cloud setup needs a virtual machine, data storage, and a properly configured network connection. Some cloud providers even show you how.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Are you comfortable working on the command line or do you prefer a graphical interface for installing, configuring, and administering?<\/p>\n For example, the FileZilla server<\/a> has a GUI interface for a Windows server FTP setup. And its documentation shows how to set up an FTP server on Windows<\/a>, including how to configure Windows Control Panel to allow your FTP server to bypass firewalls.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/User-Interface.png” alt=”User Interface” title_text=”User-Interface” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n How much you pay for FTP server software depends on the features you want and how much support you need.<\/p>\n Most commercial FTP software comes in a trial or free version with minimal features. For better security, other features, and technical support, expect to pay between $300 to $3000. License renewal varies from $100 to $300.<\/p>\n Open source FTP servers are, of course, \u201cfree as in beer\u201d. Some developers also offer paid versions that include technical support.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”A Fast, Easy, and Secure FTP Alternative” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Sign-Up for Free” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Get Blazing fast cloud transfer speeds and enterprise encryption without the complexity of an FTP server.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|20%|1.5em|20%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”physical” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Want to install FTP server software? It’s easy. Just download and run the installer or install the package. Most configuration options deal with the security for users and transferring files.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An FTP server lets a user get, put, rename, and delete the files and directories on the computer that hosts the server. You can protect the computer from malicious or accidental file operations by deciding which users may log into the FTP server. You should also decide who can get, put, and do other operations.<\/p>\n You might be able to simplify user authentication. Some FTP servers support using an account directory service such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).<\/p>\n For better security, turn off \u201canonymous\u201d logins. An anonymous client doesn\u2019t need to provide a username or password.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You\u2019ll get better security from the computer that will host the FTP server if you apply the latest updates to the operating system.<\/p>\n You might have to also install and configure the security software that runs with your FTP server. For example, when using FTPS or HTTPS, you might have to set-up TLS and security certificates.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To test your server, install the FTP client app you\u2019ll be using on your own computer. Since you\u2019ll be accessing the FTP server remotely, use the client outside the server\u2019s network. This way you can confirm that your configuration changes are correct and your network is allowing FTP traffic.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|20%|1.5em|20%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”masv” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Using an FTP connection has many advantages thanks to its legacy as the oldest file transfer protocol still in use. But with that legacy comes complications for installation, security, and administration.<\/p>\n\n
What is an FTP Server?<\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nChoosing the Right FTP Server Software<\/h2>\n
1. Security<\/h3>\n
\n
2. Computer and Network<\/h3>\n
\n
3. Cloud-Based FTP Server<\/h3>\n
4. User Interface<\/h3>\n
5. Fees<\/h3>\n
Installing and Configuring the FTP Server<\/h2>\n
1. Setting up User Accounts and Permissions<\/h3>\n
2. Securing the FTP Server<\/h3>\n
3. Troubleshooting FTP Server Issues<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n