Connect to SFTP

Learn how to connect Couchdrop to an external SFTP server folder

Introduction

Couchdrop can be connected to an external SFTP server in just a few steps. Once connected, you can seamlessly upload and download files directly to the external SFTP platform. 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.

Requirements

To connect to an external SFTP 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 or a private key

Configuration Steps

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

2. Select SFTP 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 SFTP providers use port 22. If you are unsure - try this port first and if it fails chat with your provider.

How it works

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

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

Supported features with external SFTP servers

Feature	Supported
Inbound SFTP	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

Do you support RSA key based authentication

Yes - Couchdrop can use key based authentication to connect to external SFTP providers. You can upload a private key when configuring the connection.

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

Yes - this is Couchdrop's bread and butter. You can configure a connection to an external SFTP server - select a folder and then automate a transfer using a Scheduled Transfer Automation that polls the SFTP 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 legacy ciphers and keys

Yes - we can support some restricted legacy ciphers. Contact our team if you run into connectivity issues.

Are SFTP connections encrypted with Couchdrop

Absolutely - SFTP as a protocol is very secure and uses asymetric SSL encryption.

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.