FTP vs FTPS vs SFTP
| Protocol | Encryption | Port | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTP | None | 21 | Legacy systems only |
| FTPS | TLS/SSL | 21 or 990 | Secure FTP with certificates |
| SFTP | SSH | 22 | Recommended (see SFTP guide) |
Security Warning: Plain FTP transmits passwords in clear text. Use FTPS or SFTP whenever possible.
Connecting to FTP
- Go to Go -> Connect to FTP Server
- Enter connection details:
- Host: Server hostname or IP
- Port: Usually 21
- Username: Your FTP username
- Password: Your FTP password
- Click Connect
FTPS (Explicit TLS)
For encrypted FTP connections:
- Check the "Use TLS/SSL" option
- Select "Explicit" mode (most common)
- Port remains 21
FTPS (Implicit TLS)
Some servers use implicit TLS:
- Check "Use TLS/SSL"
- Select "Implicit" mode
- Change port to 990
Passive vs Active Mode
FTP has two data transfer modes:
Passive Mode (Default)
- Works through firewalls and NAT
- Recommended for most connections
- Server opens data port, client connects
Active Mode
- May be required by some legacy servers
- Client opens data port, server connects back
- Often blocked by firewalls
Captain's Deck uses passive mode by default. Switch to active mode in connection settings if needed.
Working with FTP
Once connected:
- Navigate directories normally
- Upload files with F5
- Download files with F5
- Rename with F2
- Delete with F8
Transfer Mode: Captain's Deck automatically detects binary vs text files. Binary mode is used for all transfers to prevent corruption.
Troubleshooting
"Connection timed out"
- Check hostname and port are correct
- Verify FTP service is running on server
- Check firewall allows outbound FTP
"Login incorrect"
- Verify username and password
- Some servers require email as username for anonymous FTP
"Unable to list directory"
- Try switching between passive and active mode
- Check if firewall blocks data connections
"TLS handshake failed"
- Server certificate may be expired or self-signed
- Try with certificate validation disabled (less secure)