Connect to FTPs

Learn how to connect Couchdrop to an external FTP or FTPs server folder and how this differs from SFTP.

Introduction

Couchdrop can be connected to any external FTP/s server in a few simple steps. When connected, you can upload and download files to the external FTP/s provider. You can also take advantage of Couchdrop’s automation features and inbound transfer methods - such as mailboxes and upload links - to streamline and simplify data transfers.

FTPs is a different protocol to SFTP. If you are unsure - check with your provider as you may need to use the SFTP connector.

Requirements

To connect to an external FTP server with Couchdrop you will need:

• The hostname or IP address and port number for the external server

• A username and password for the external server.

• A unique folder name in Couchdrop

Configuration Steps

1. In Couchdrop; Click + Create -> Connect to Partners/Providers or + Add Connection from the Connections Tab

2. Select FTP Server from the list of available connections

3. Provide the configuration details as listed above

4. Click Test Connection

5. Choose a subfolder from the folder selector

6. Click Save Settings

Most FTP providers use port 21 . Check with your provider - but if unsure - try this port first.

How it works

Similar to all connections in Couchdrop - all external FTP connections appear as folders in Couchdrop. Couchdrop can transfer to and from the external FTP server directly or through automations.

External FTP providers appear as Virtual Folders in Couchdrop. We recommend learning about Virtual Folders here

Supported features with external FTP servers

Feature	Supported
Inbound SFTP and FTPs	Yes
Inbound Mailboxes	Yes
Upload Links	Yes
Inbound Web hooks (https)	Yes
Inbound AS2	Yes
Inbound S3 (S3 Gateway)	Yes
File Actions (copy, move)	Yes
Transfer Automations	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we schedule a copy from one FTP server to the cloud

Yes - this is Couchdrop's bread and butter. You can configure a connection to an external FTP server - select a folder and then automate a transfer using a Scheduled Transfer Automation that polls the FTP server for new files and then moves them.

Can Couchdrop provide Static IPs that we can whitelist

Yes - Contact our support team to request static IPs.

Do you support TLS

Yes - Connecting via TLS is enabled by default with external connections

Do you support implicit SSL for external FTP providers

Not currently - Implicit SSL is not as secure as FTP via TLS. If this is a deal breaker for you - reach out to [email protected] and we can chat about options and workarounds

Common issues and errors

Access denied

Access denied when browsing, uploading or downloading files generally means that you do not have adequate permissions with the external platform. Contact the external providers support team to make sure you have permissions on there service.

Timeout

A timeout normally occurs when there a firewall preventing access. Check with the external provider and talk to our support team about static IPs for the external vendor to whitelist.