Query for those who use FTP alot.

AdamD · 26-05-2007, 01:05

Just a quick question

I use SmartFTP to upload stuff to my webserver now and again

One of the main problem I seem to encounter, is when uploading alot of small files (images/php files), the program will disconnect while in the middle of a transfer.

It does this anytime I want to upload a bunch of files.

I get messages like this

[01:02:44] A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.

Other times it'll just time out and say "Transfer failed"

So, does anyone else get this kinda problem?

Paul · 26-05-2007, 06:25

Might be worth running a traceroute when that error occurs to see if it's timing out on the server or somewhere along the route itself.

Damien · 26-05-2007, 17:39

It might be that...Servers sometimes shut down connectionss that have appeared to be unused for a while. FTP uses two connections at a time, one to transfer data and another to check the status of connection, The status connection tells the server when it wants to connect, upload, and the server tells the client when the file has uploaded.

But while the actual files are being uploaded (via the data connection) the status connection is idle and after a while this can be shut down. If it does than at some point in the process it will try to use the status connection but its no longer there. Causing Errors.

Should only happen on large transfers, and only on some connections/clients. Look in the preferences to see if there is an option to 'Keep connections on/alive/' and that should sent a status update on the status connection while the data connection sends the file.

AdamD · 29-05-2007, 10:46

Thanks guys

Yea it doesn't seem to have the option to keep the connection alive
I'm sure the older versions of Smartftp had it, doh

Any recommendations on a good FTP program?

Gareth · 29-05-2007, 10:52

I use FileZilla - it's excellent and it's open source so is free (as in speech and as in beer).

Acathla · 29-05-2007, 11:00

Tools -> Settings

Connection -> Keep Alive -> Enable Keep Alive

Usually used NOOP as a keep alive signal but not all FTP Servers will allow that. Use a command like PWD or LIST -aL see if that helps. You might also want to change the Interval from the default 50s to 29s or something - depending on how often your server disconnects you.

AdamD · 29-05-2007, 17:07

Yea that's the area I checked, it hasn't got that option

All it's got is....anonymous password field, ports to use and the UPNP bit.

Running version 2.5 here.

Think i'll try the other FTP recommended above

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acathla

Tools -> Settings

Connection -> Keep Alive -> Enable Keep Alive

Usually used NOOP as a keep alive signal but not all FTP Servers will allow that. Use a command like PWD or LIST -aL see if that helps. You might also want to change the Interval from the default 50s to 29s or something - depending on how often your server disconnects you.

r00t · 29-05-2007, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamD

Thanks guys

Yea it doesn't seem to have the option to keep the connection alive
I'm sure the older versions of Smartftp had it, doh

Any recommendations on a good FTP program?

If you use Firefox as your browser, then get FireFTP, you can get that here

Acathla · 29-05-2007, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamD

Yea that's the area I checked, it hasn't got that option

All it's got is....anonymous password field, ports to use and the UPNP bit.

Running version 2.5 here.

Think i'll try the other FTP recommended above

My apologies, I had an old version at work. The way to get to that setting on 2.5 is saving your connection as a Favourite then open the Favourites window and going to properties on your Favourite.

Then you can go to FTP -> Connection -> Keep Alive

Anyway, good luck trying another client.