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How to Create an FTP Server

    1. Access the server preferences in Server Functions > FTP Configuration.
    2. Click New FTP server.

      Result: The New FTP server page is displayed.

    3. Specify the settings for your new FTP server.
      Option Description
      Name The name of the virtual FTP server that will be displayed on the FTP configuration screens, the login message from the FTP server, and so on. This is for reference purposes only.
      TCP/IP port to listen on The port in use by the virtual FTP server. The default is port 21.
      TCP/IP address to listen on The IP address to use. You can select one item from the list. If you select All available interfaces, the virtual FTP server will listen on all assigned IP addresses.
      IP Filter You can specify the IP addresses from which to accept connections. By default, the clients can connect from any IP address. For information about IP filtering, see How to Create an IP Filter Profile.
      Port range for passive data transfers (inclusive) This feature is relevant to passive mode data connections (PMDCs), also known as PASV mode in some clients. In such cases the data channels are opened by the client and the server communicates a PASV reply stating which address and port to connect to. However, servers behind firewalls or routers may have problems with the use of the reported address or port.
      IP address of the network interface connecting to NAT router and External IP address of NAT router By default the server examines the local IP address to which the client is connected and accepts the PMDC on that address. In a NAT environment, the server's local IP address is not externally visible for access from the Internet. Therefore, you must specify the IP address of the network interface connecting to the router. This will be the router's external IP address.
      Subnet mask of network interface connecting to NAT router If the router and the clients are on the same subnet of a LAN, you must define a subnet mask for clients. In this way, they will not be redirected to an external IP address before connecting to the router.
    4. Click Apply.

      Result:

    Results: If your server is behind a firewall and clients experience problems with the connection, you can specify a range of ports on which to accept PMDCs. If these ports are open on the firewall then the connection will be established.
    Article last updated: 27 September, 2022