File transfer protocols are standard protocols for the transfer of files between computer systems from one client to one server over a TCP / IP network. Simply put, FTP servers are used to establish connection and exchange information between a computer and a server, or any two devices connected in a network. An FTP port or endpoint, is used to initiate or process data transfer.
This guide will walk you through the steps to set up an FTP server on Windows. For more in-depth articles and guides on technical topics, check out our blog.
FTP with the Windows server
To begin using FTP on Windows Server, you need an
- FTP Client: Use any FTP client application such as FileZilla, WinSCP, etc.
- FTP Server: Use a Windows server to establish an FTP connection. Keep the credentials (username, password, hostname/IP) handy for further procedure.
Steps In Brief
- Enable FTP Service: Enable the FTP service on your Windows Server using the Server Manager.
- Install an FTP Client: Download and install an FTP client application such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck.
- Configure FTP Connection: Open your FTP client and enter the connection details, including the server’s hostname or IP address, the default FTP port (21), and the server’s directory structure.
Inbuilt FTP services are used to facilitate the connection. It is to make sure that the computer acts as an FTP server with a dedicated local static IP address.
1. Enable FTP Service
1. Search Network in your Windows search and open the Networks, Computers, and Devices section under Control Panel.
2. Click on View network computers and devices. A new screen opens, as shown below.
3. Right-click on your Ehternet0 and select Properties.
Note: We must update the domain server settings and make the intended IP settings permanent to configure FTP.
4. Note down the IP addresses to update them in the Ethernet properties.
5. Next, open Server Manager, navigate to the dashboard and click Add Roles and Features.
- Proceed with the installation of an IIS-based FTP service.
6. Click Next to continue.
7. Select the installation type from the following:
- Role-based or feature-based installation
- Remote Desktop Services installation
8. Once you have selected the installation type, click Next to continue.
9. Now make the Server Selection and click Next to continue.
10. Next, assign the Server roles. For the FTP server, choose Web Server (IIS) and the FTP Server.
11. Select the features to be installed on the server.
Note: This step verifies that all the selections made in previous steps are true to your understanding.
12. Click Next to continue and Confirm installation selections.
13. Click Install to continue. The Results display the desired server being installed and its progress.
14. Meanwhile, create and designate a folder for FTP and place all the files to be shared within it.
15. Enter the details required for creating an FTP site.
To Install the FTP Server on Windows:
Download the FTP Server
- Navigate to the Windows Features section.
- Expand IIS
- Click the + button next to Internet Information Services (IIS).
- Expand FTP Server
- Click the + button next to the FTP Server.
- Check the boxes for FTP Extensibility and FTP Server.
- Click OK to begin the installation. This will install the FTP server on your Windows system.
16. Click on Next.
- FTP Site Configuration Steps
- Click Next to continue.
5. Authentication Section
Authentication Types
- Anonymous: This option requires clients to log in with a username and password.
- Basic: This option requires clients to log in with an account.
Select the Basic checkbox.
In the Authorization Section
1. From the drop-down menu, select the access level to be granted to users.
2. Choose the permissions for the selected users:
- Read
- Write
This will ensure the specified users have the appropriate level of access to the resources.
3. Click on Finish.
The FTP server will go online whenever the computer is powered on and connected to the network.
Managing FTP File Transfers
The following actions can be performed on your FTP servers:
- Uploading: Locate the files you want to upload from your local machine, which can be seen on the left pane, to the desired directory on the server.
- Downloading: Locate the files you want to download from the server, which can be seen on the right pane of your local machine.
- Deletion: Locate the files you want to delete from the server.
Disabling FTP Connection
Stopping FTP-based data sharing by disconnecting the FTP Client from the server is as important as establishing a connection so that there are no discrepancies or unintended data theft. It is a good practice to disconnect the FTP client once the transfers are complete.
FAQs
Q1. What is File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?
FTP is a standard network protocol used to copy a file from one host to another over a TCP/IP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP is built on a client-server architecture and utilizes separate control and data connections between the client and server applications, which solves the problem of different host configurations, that is Operating System, and file names. FTP is used with user-based password authentication or with anonymous user access.
Q2. What is the difference between an FTP server and a file server?
FTP is used for transferring files between computers located remotely. FTP can handle the transfer of multiple files, as well as very large files. Whereas a file server hosts many files for a set of users, with appropriate access restrictions. Usually, file servers are located within an enterprise, accessible only from inside an organization’s firewall.
Q3. What layer is FTP used in?
FTP works on the application layer, the same layer on which HTTP works. The protocols that work on this layer are used by applications to provide user services and exchange data.
Q4. What protocol is used by FTP?
FTP uses transmission control protocol (TCP) for transport needs. Transmission control protocol (TCP) is a standard communications protocol on the Internet that enables computers to exchange messages over a network.
Q5. What is an FTP port?
In terms of FTP, ports are communication endpoints. Ports allow the connection and transfer of data to happen between your computer and a server. To connect to a specific server, you need to know that server’s IP address.
Port 21: Known as the control port, Port 21 is used to initiate and manage the connection.
Port 20 (or dynamic ports in Passive Mode): Known as the data port, Port 20 is traditionally used for the actual file transfer in Active Mode. However, in Passive Mode, the server dynamically selects a random high-numbered port for data transfer. This allows the client to establish the data connection, which helps to work around firewall restrictions that may block the server’s attempt to connect to the client.
Q6. Why does FTP use two connections?
For sending control information like user identification, password, commands to change the remote directory, commands to retrieve and store files, etc., FTP makes use of a control connection. Data connection: – For sending the actual file, FTP makes use of a data connection.
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