FTP/FTPS Support

FTP and FTPS Support

FTP and FTPS provide remote access to application-server and database files for uploading, downloading, log review, configuration editing and file synchronization. FTPS adds TLS encryption to protect credentials and transferred data.

In this article

FTP and FTPS Overview

FTP uses separate control and data connections during a file-transfer session. FTPS extends FTP with TLS encryption so login credentials and file content are protected while in transit.

Upload and downloadTransfer application resources, configuration files and other server content.
Log analysisDownload server or database logs for review in a local editor.
Configuration editingEdit configuration files remotely through a compatible client or editor.
File synchronizationCompare and synchronize remote and local folders.
Application deploymentFiles can be copied into a deployment directory, although dashboard-based deployment is recommended.
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Container compatibility

The FTP add-on is intended for supported application servers and database nodes. It may not be compatible with custom Docker-based containers.

Requirements

FTP clientInstall a compatible desktop client such as FileZilla, WinSCP or another FTP/FTPS application.
Compute nodeThe environment must include a supported application-server or database node.
Public IPA public IP must be attached to the target node so the FTP service can be reached externally.
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Prefer FTPS for external connections

Use encrypted FTP over TLS whenever the connection passes through an untrusted or public network.

Prepare the Environment

1

Open the environment wizard

Sign in to the dashboard and click Create Environment, or open the topology settings of an existing environment.

2

Add a supported node

Select an application server or database node, such as a Java application server or MySQL-compatible database.

3

Enable a public IP

Attach a public IP to the target node and create or apply the environment configuration.

Install the FTP Add-on

1

Open Add-ons

Click Add-ons for the required application-server or database node.

2

Locate FTP

Find the FTP add-on in the available application list and click Install.

3

Confirm installation

Review the installation dialog and click Install again.

4

Save the credentials

After installation, review the email containing the connection URL, login, password and available public IP information.

Install the FTP add-on
Install FTP from the Add-ons section of the selected node.

Connect Through an FTP Client

1

Open the FTP client

Start your preferred FTP application.

2

Enter the connection details

Provide the host, username and password received after add-on installation.

3

Connect to the node

Click Connect or Quickconnect. After authentication, the remote configuration folders are displayed.

4

Manage remote files

Browse, download, copy, rename or remove files according to the permissions available for the FTP account.

Connect to the environment through an FTP client
Enter the FTP host and credentials to access the remote file system.

Browser Access

Where supported by the browser and platform, the FTP add-on may display clickable IP links. Open the link, enter the FTP username and password, and browse the available folders. Modern browsers may require a dedicated FTP client instead.

Transfer and Synchronize Files

Upload and Download Files

Single fileDouble-click the file or use the Upload / Download action.
Multiple filesSelect the required files or folders, right-click and choose Upload or Download.
Drag and dropMove files between the local and remote directory panels.
Transfer queueAdd files to the queue when the transfer should be completed later.
Directory comparisonCompare local and remote folders by file size or modification time.
Transfer files through FTP
Upload, download, queue or compare local and remote files.

Download Log Files

Connect to the node, open the relevant logs folder, select the required file and download it to your computer. Open the downloaded log in a suitable text editor for analysis.

Synchronize Folders

A synchronization tool can compare an FTP folder with a local folder. Configure the FTP host and credentials, select both folders, analyze the differences and then run the synchronization operation.

Edit Configuration Files

FTP-capable editors can connect directly to the server, open configuration files, save changes and upload the revised content back to the node.

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Deploy applications through the dashboard

FTP-based application deployment is not recommended because the uploaded application may not appear in the platform deployment manager. Redeployment and deletion may then require manual file operations, and some application servers may not support this method.

Switch to FTPS

Configure explicit FTP over TLS in the FTP client to encrypt the control and data channels.

1

Open Site Manager

In your FTP client, open the site-management window and create a new site.

2

Configure the site

Enter the FTP host and username, select FTP – File Transfer Protocol, and choose Require explicit FTP over TLS for encryption.

3

Select interactive login

Use an interactive or password-based login type according to the client.

4

Connect securely

Click Connect, enter the FTP password and review the TLS certificate prompt when displayed.

Configure an explicit FTPS connection
Select explicit FTP over TLS to establish an encrypted connection.

Manage the FTP Password

Reset the Generated Password

1

Open Add-ons

Open the Add-ons list for the node with FTP installed.

2

Reset the password

Locate FTP and click Reset Password.

3

Check the confirmation email

Use the newly generated password sent by the platform for future FTP and FTPS connections.

Set a Custom Password Through SSH

After configuring SSH access to the node, connect to the container and run the password command for the FTP service account.

sudo /usr/bin/passwd jelastic-ftp

Enter and confirm the new password. Password-strength warnings may be displayed when the selected password is simple or dictionary-based.

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Use a strong unique password

Choose a long password that is not reused for dashboard, database or operating-system accounts. Update all saved FTP-client profiles after changing it.

Uninstall FTP

1

Open the node Add-ons

Click Add-ons for the application server or database.

2

Locate FTP

Find the installed FTP add-on.

3

Click Uninstall

Confirm the removal to disable FTP access for the node.

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Horizontal scaling behavior

When a supported server is cloned through horizontal scaling, the FTP add-on and credentials may also be copied to the new instance. Some server types can require the add-on to be disabled and reinstalled so every scaled node receives FTP support.

Expected Result

The selected application-server or database node can be accessed through FTP or encrypted FTPS. Authorized users can transfer files, retrieve logs, synchronize directories and manage supported configuration content using the generated or custom FTP credentials.

Important Notes

  • Attach a public IP to the target node before installing the FTP add-on.
  • Use FTPS rather than unencrypted FTP for remote access over public networks.
  • Store the generated credentials securely and reset them if exposed.
  • Use dashboard deployment tools instead of FTP for normal application releases.
  • Create a backup before changing critical configuration files.
  • Review horizontal-scaling behavior when the environment contains multiple nodes.
  • Uninstall the add-on when FTP access is no longer required.

Common Issues and Solutions

FTP add-on is not availableConfirm that the selected node type is supported and is not an incompatible custom container.
Connection times outVerify that a public IP is attached and check firewall, endpoint and provider network rules.
Authentication failsRe-enter the username and password, or reset the FTP password from the Add-ons panel.
FTPS connection is rejectedSelect explicit FTP over TLS and confirm the correct host, protocol and login type.
Files cannot be modifiedCheck remote permissions, file ownership and whether the FTP account has write access.
Uploaded application is missing from the dashboardFTP deployments are not registered by the deployment manager. Redeploy using the dashboard or manage the files manually.
FTP is missing on a newly scaled nodeReinstall the add-on across the layer when the selected server type does not clone FTP automatically.