While they share a similar name, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) are distinct ways to transfer files, meaning that you can't use SFTP to transfer files to FTP servers and vice versa. One way to do this is by using one protocol to pass through to another by using a system that supports both and can translate between them.
In this guide, we'll show you how to enable an FTP/SFTP bridge to give you more flexibility for your file transfers.
Why enable an FTP to SFTP bridge?
The first question that comes to mind is, why would you want to do this? The primary reason is because the protocols are different.
One way to frame this is to think of the protocols as different languages. If one system "speaks" FTP and the other SFTP, they're speaking a different language and can't communicate effectively. If you have a system that can only communicate via FTP and another that only supports SFTP how can you send data between them? You need to use a system that "speaks" both and can translate information between them.
This is where the "bridge" comes in. A third-party system can effectively "translate" the different languages by knowing both, the differences between them, and what is needed for the systems to communicate. This enables you to fluidly send files between systems.
Couchdrop is a secure, modern file transfer platform that supports multiple different protocols and can send files between systems with different protocol support, including those that only support SFTP, FTP, or AS2. Next, we'll show you how to use Couchdrop to create a bridge between FTP and SFTP, using sending files between an FTP and SFTP server as an example.
How to use Couchdrop as an FTP and SFTP gateway
The basic process for using Couchdrop as an FTP/SFTP Gateway is that you connect the FTP endpoint and SFTP endpoint and set up a transfer between the endpoints. Couchdrop would then act as the passthrough.
This process is simple to set up and only takes a few steps:
- Step 1. Add FTP endpoint
- Step 2. Add SFTP endpoint
- Step 3. Send files between the FTP and SFTP server
Step 1 — Add FTP endpoint
In order to send files between an FTP server and an SFTP server, you first need to add both endpoints. This can be done in either order, but in this scenario, we'll start with the FTP server.
To add new servers, choose to add a new partner/provider connection from any page. Choose FTP/s server to connect to a remote FTP or FTP/s server. Couchdrop supports both options through the same connection type.
Complete the configuration requirements based on the FTP server you’re looking to connect to. If you need help finding any of this information, see our article on how to connect to an FTP server.
Step 2 - Add SFTP endpoint
Connecting the SFTP endpoint follows a near-identical process. The only difference is that you select SFTP server from the list, and that SFTP servers have different connection requirements.
For help getting information for the SFTP server, see our article on how to connect to an SFTP server.
Step 3 - Send files between the FTP and SFTP server
You can now send files between the FTP server and SFTP server. Both will appear as folders within Couchdrop's virtual file system using the names you set during the connection, and there are multiple ways to transfer files between those folders, which transfers them between the servers themselves.
Couchdrop includes several tools you can use to transfer files, including upload links and secure file sharing. You can also automate file-based automation, which can be used for tasks such as automatically polling the FTP server and transferring files to the SFTP server at regular intervals.
Connecting to an FTP server via SFTP clients
Another way to use Couchdrop as an SFTP/FTP gateway is to have an SFTP or SFTP user connect to a server of a different protocol that is integrated with Couchdrop. For this example, we'll have a user connect to an FTP server as an SFTP user using an SFTP client.
To do this, start by following Step 1 above to connect the FTP server. Then, instead of connecting an SFTP server, you instead create an SFTP user and isolate them to the FTP server directory.
How to create an SFTP user and connect via SFTP clients
Creating users is simple in Couchdrop and only takes a minute.
Couchdrop allows for granular user permissions so that your created users have access only to what they need, and it's easy to make users directly in Couchdrop. You can also generate users automatically with a specific set of permissions, like SFTP access, which can be further customized as needed at any time.
During the user creation, you can isolate the user to the FTP folder. This will utilize the parameters set during the FTP server integration to enable the user to connect to the FTP server with those credentials, while allowing them to log in as a unique SFTP user.
Once you have the passthrough user configured and the FTP server integrated with Couchdrop, you just need to connect. Use the information below to make the connection in the SFTP client of your choice:
- SFTP/FTP Hostname
- Username and Password (for the user created before)
This user can now connect to the FTP server using their SFTP credentials and client.
Try Couchdrop today
Couchdrop is a simple way to bridge FTP and SFTP connections. A fully-managed SFTP server is generated automatically at signup with no configuration or maintenance required. You can use this server as an endpoint immediately, and use this guide to connect FTP servers to your Couchdrop SFTP server in minutes.
You can try Couchdrop free for 14 days with instant access. There's no credit card required, and you don't have to go through a product demo if you don't want to. Simply sign up and start using it in minutes. Start your free trial today.