We have decided to create an FTP type data server in the home or office (to save backups of user folders or to save images of the operating system) but we do not know how to access it using this network protocol "> Best FTP clients to access files remotely Retrieve the necessary data from the FTP server
If the FTP server is configured correctly, it will be reachable from any other device by retrieving three information:
- IP address of the ADSL line (or IP address of the internal network, if we want to connect a device of the same LAN network)
- Port number used by the active FTP service
- Range of ports used by the passive FTP service (optional)
The IP address of the ADSL line can be retrieved using a service like the one available here -> What is my IP Address?
For the whole network we will have to help with the modem, accessing the control interface and checking the IP address assigned to the device that acts as an FTP server.
The port number for the active FTP service is pre-configured by default; if we have not changed anything on the FTP server the port will be 21.
If we use a passive FTP transfer system, we will also need to know the range of ports used for data transfer, so as to make the transfer much faster.
Once this information is retrieved, we can connect to the FTP server using one of the recommended methods below.
Connect to an FTP server from Windows
To connect to an FTP server with Windows we can use the integrated file explorer, more than enough to make active FTP connections.
We open File Explorer or the icon This PC on the Windows 10 desktop and we right click anywhere in the window, then select the Add network location item.
In the window that we will see we immediately click Next ; we will be shown the window where to enter the network path or IP address of the FTP server to reach.
If the server is available as an FTP site, just type in the following address:
ftp: // indirizzoFTP: number-to-door
A good example can be the one shown below.
ftp: //www.serverFTP.mio: 21
This method is not the best available for accessing the FTP server from the internal network.
In this case we recommend using a free program such as FileZilla, available for download here -> FileZilla (client version).
To add an FTP server to FileZilla, simply click on the Site Manager icon at the top left, then on New Site .
Enter the IP address of the FTP server in the Host entry and the Port entry the port number used, select FTP as the Protocol and leave explicit FTP on TLS in the Use encryption field if available .
Now select the Type of access (basic is normal ) and enter the credentials, then click on Connect at the bottom.
Now we will be able to manage any type of FTP server using the FTP window to exchange, modify and remove files and folders (much depends on the permissions enabled on the server side).
Another valid program that we can use to connect to an FTP server on Windows is WinSCP, available for free from here -> WinSCP .
Once installed we can connect to an FTP server by clicking on New site, then selecting FTP and explicit TLS / SSL encryption, by entering the server's IP address in Server name and the port number (default 21).
To start the connection, enter the username and password of the FTP server, then click on Login at the bottom.
Connect to an FTP server from Android
We want to connect to an FTP server from an Android device "> File Manager.
Once installed, all we have to do is tap on the Remote item, then tap again on Add a remote location .
In the new window we select FTP or FTPS, then we enter the IP address of the FTP server, the port number and the access credentials.
Another app that we can use to access an FTP server from Android is AndFTP, available for download from here -> AndFTP .
Using this app is very simple: we tap on the plus-shaped symbol at the top, we enter all the server information (IP address, port and access credentials) on the page that opens, then we tap on the screen under Save for open a connection with the FTP server.
Connect to an FTP server from iOS
We own an Apple smartphone or iPad and want to access an FTP server "> FTPManager.
To add an FTP server, click on the plus-shaped symbol at the top right, enter the information required to connect to the FTP server to access all the folders and files.
The app also allows you to add SMB shares, access to the cloud of Dropbox and iCloud and to connect with other nearby iOS devices.
A good alternative to access an FTP server is the FTP Client Pro app, available for a fee from here -> FTP Client Pro .
With this program we will be able to connect to any FTP server, including corporate, so that you can exchange, open and delete files even remotely, just configure access with IP address, port number and access credentials.
READ ALSO: Transfer files in wifi from mobile to PC in FTP
