# AS2

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

Couchdrop supports AS2 connectors, enabling secure file exchanges with partners using the AS2 protocol. Designed for EDI transfers, AS2 ensures both security and reliability. With Couchdrop, you can connect to external AS2 partners to send files outbound, or receive files as an AS2 provider. This section focuses on configuring connections to external AS2 partners for outbound transfers.

{% hint style="success" %}
To configure Inbound AS2 - visit [as2-stations](https://docs.couchdrop.io/features/as2-stations "mention")
{% endhint %}

## Requirements <a href="#requirements" id="requirements"></a>

To set up an AS2 connector, generally, you will need the following:

* Access to Couchdrop, with the appropriate user rights. Talk to your admin to get these.
* AS2 Partner ID (AS2 ID)
* AS2 Target URL
* AS2 Trading partners public certificate
* Your AS2 signing certificate

## Configuration Steps

1. Log in to Couchdrop and add a new storage connection
2. Select **Outbound AS2** from the list of available connections
3. Configure the Name and virtual folder name&#x20;
4. Set the partner configuration details and upload the partners public certificate.
5. Upload your public and private key for signing under **Message Signature Configuration**
6. Save and Test

Now when file browsing you will see your newly created folder and every file dropped in will be sent to your configured partner.

We recommend testing a partner upload after initial configuration.&#x20;

## How it works

AS2 is different to most storage connections in Couchdrop in that it only supports outbound transfers. You can think of AS2 as a messaging protocol rather than a file storage or transfer protocol. With AS2 - operations like listing directory contents and downloading files are not supported.&#x20;

In Couchdrop - an external AS2 connection is surfaced in the virtual filesystem as an outbound folder where files can be upload/sent.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
We recommend learning about Virtual Folders [here](https://docs.couchdrop.io/connections/virtual-folders) - External AS2 connections will appear as virtual folders.
{% endhint %}

When files are uploaded into an AS2 folder - Couchdrop wraps the files in an AS2 message, encrypts the file and sends it to the external provider.&#x20;

**Supported features with external AS2 servers.**

| Feature                   | Supported         |
| ------------------------- | ----------------- |
| Inbound SFTP and FTPs     | Yes - Upload only |
| Inbound Mailboxes         | Yes               |
| Upload Links              | Yes               |
| Inbound Web hooks (https) | Yes               |
| Inbound AS2               | Yes               |
| Inbound S3 (S3 Gateway)   | Yes               |
| File Actions              | Yes - Upload only |
| Transfer Automations      | Yes - Upload Only |


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