FTP Configuration |
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a protocol designed to transfer files from one computer to another over a network. FTP can be used to:
The NetRS implements an internal FTP server that listens for requests from external clients, verifies the capabilities allowed for those clients, and acts on the requests. A summary of the current FTP server controls can be viewed via the FTP Configuration page. Use the main menu item Internet with submenu FTP to see that page. The Modify button will lead to the FTP Setup page from which you can make changes to the settings. Typically changes to the settings can only be made the system adminstrator of your NetRS.
By default, the FTP server listens for requests on the standard FTP port which is port 21. The FTP Setup page allows this port number to be changed to another value between 1024 and 65535. The FTP server can also be completely disabled.
An FTP port change should only be necessary if you are operating the NetRS behind a firewall and the firewall cannot direct port 21 to your NetRS. For example, your network might already have an existing FTP server served by port 21 on the firewall. Or you might have multiple NetRS receivers that must be accessed through the firewall. In such cases, the NetRS could be shifted to an alternate FTP port. Then the firewall could be directed to transfer outside requests on the alternate port number to the matching port on the NetRS.
The method for accessing an alternate FTP port is dependent on your ftp
client software. For a Unix command line client, it may be sufficient
to use the command
ftp ServerAddress PortNumber
.
The port used by the NetRS FTP server is controlled from the FTP Setup
page. Select
The NetRS provides three types of FTP transfer accounts:
These are documented in detail below.
Anonymous FTP allows anyone with access to the NetRS receiver to transfer logged data files from storage in the NetRS to remote client computers. Optionally anonymous users can delete the original files.
FTP clients connecting to the FTP server must supply a username and a password. For Anonymous FTP the username can be either Anonymous or ftp. The password must be an email address of the form user@domain. (Note that the email address is not checked in any way.) The ability to do Anonymous FTP transfers, and the extent of the capabilities, are defined by the options on the FTP Setup page.
If the Enabled with Delete radio button is selected, anyone with access to the receiver can download data files and delete the original files. This option should only be used if the receiver is on a private network and access to the receiver is restricted to trusted users. This option should not be used for receivers on networks where access to the receiver cannot be controlled.
If the Enabled without Delete radio button is selected, anyone with access to the receiver can download files from the receiver, but will not be able to delete the originals. This is the recommended mode of operation when Anonymous FTP is enabled.
If the Disabled radio button is selected, Anonymous FTP access is not available.
Named FTP allows users who know an account name (netrsFTP) and a specific password, to transfer logged data files from storage in the NetRS to remote client computers. Optionally the netrsFTP user can delete the original files from storage on the NetRS.
FTP clients connecting to the FTP server must supply a username and a password. For Named FTP the username must be netrsFTP. The password must be the value previously specified by the system administrator. The ability to do Named FTP transfers and the extent of the capabilities, are defined by the options on the FTP Setup page.
If the Enabled with Delete radio button is selected, anyone with access to the receiver, who has the netrsFTP password can download data files and delete the original files.
If the Enabled without Delete radio button is selected, anyone with access to the receiver who has the netrsFTP password can download data files, but they will not be able to delete the originals.
If the Disabled radio button is selected, FTP access using the netrsFTP account is not available.
The netrsFTP password is specified on the FTP Setup page by filling in the netrsFTP Password field. You must re-enter the same password in the Re-enter Password field. The characters typed are not displayed.
Note that account names and passwords are case sensitive. This means that the user name must be typed exactly as netrsFTP, and the password must be typed exactly as it was specified on the FTP Setup page.
System Administrator FTP provides only those individuals with access to the NetRS receiver and with information about the adminFTP account the ability to use FTP transfer. The adminFTP account can be enabled or disabled. When enabled, adminFTP users are allowed to perform operations involving firmware files. These files contain firmware upgrades that can be installed in the NetRS. The adminFTP user can upload firmware files to the NetRS, obtain lists of previously uploaded files, and delete those files.
When someone connects to the receiver to do an FTP transfer, the receiver prompts for a username and password. In the case of System Administrator FTP transfer, the person initiating the transfer specifies adminFTP as the user name, and then must submit the password assigned to this account by the system administrator. The ability to do System Administrator FTP transfers with the firmware upload and delete privileges is defined by the options on the FTP Setup page.
If the Enabled button is selected, anyone with access to the receiver and with information about the adminFTP account can upload, list and delete firmware files. Although this option provides some security through the use of a named account and a password, it is recommended that the adminFTP password be changed on a regular basis to lessen the security risk.
If the Disabled radio button is selected, FTP access using the adminFTP account is not available, and FTP transfer can only be accomplished using the Anonymous or netrsFTP accounts, if they are enabled. Firmware uploads will only be possible by using the web interface.
The adminFTP password is specified on the FTP Setup page by filling in the adminFTP Password field. You must re-enter the same password in the Re-enter Password field. The characters typed are not displayed.
Note that account names and passwords are case sensitive. This means that the user name must be typed exactly as adminFTP, and the password must be typed exactly as it was specified on the FTP Setup page.