Tips for Using Excelerator FTP Services

The following sections contain important information about using Excelerator FTP services.


Firewalls Usually Require Passive FTP

The appliance's system supports access from both active and passive FTP clients.

The fact that passive FTP is often required to traverse a firewall has certain implications for using FTP with the appliance.


FTP Access Through a DOS Window Is Limited

Because DOS uses only active FTP, you cannot access an appliance that is outside a firewall through a DOS window on a client inside the firewall.

The reverse is also generally true. If the appliance is inside a firewall, you will not usually be able to access it through a DOS window on a client outside the firewall.


FTP Access Through a Browser Outside the Firewall Is Also Limited

You cannot generally access an appliance inside a firewall through a browser that is outside the firewall.


Browser Must Be Properly Configured

Because Netscape browsers use passive FTP, you can generally access an appliance outside the firewall from a Netscape* browser inside the firewall.

To access an appliance outside a firewall using Internet Explorer 5 inside the firewall, you must configure the browser to use passive FTP. Complete the following steps:

  1. In the browser click Tools > Internet Options > Advanced.

  2. Under Browsing, check Use Web-Based FTP.

    NOTE:  This option name varies according to browser version. In Internet Explorer 5.5, for example, the option is Use Passive FTP for compatibility with some firewalls and DSL modems.

  3. Click OK.


Directory and File Names Cannot Contain Spaces

The Mini FTP Server will not work with directory or file names that contain spaces.


Appliance Routing and Transparent Proxy Limitations on FTP

When using the built-in appliance router capabilities in a transparent proxy situation, users will not be able to perform browser-based FTP using ftp:// as the protocol. Browser-based FTP works normally with forward proxy.


Switching from Anonymous FTP to Username/Password FTP

If you are using browser-based FTP with forward proxy through the Excelerator appliance and you want to switch from anonymous FTP to username/password FTP, do the following:

  1. In the browser, enter the new URL.

  2. Click the browser's Refresh button.

IMPORTANT:  You must refresh the screen contents or you won't be able to switch to the other FTP service.