Unable to download files from FTP server

36548900 0 Reputation points
2023-06-20T05:11:38.54+00:00

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Problem Description: I put a file on FTP server (server created in Windows 10) so clients can download that file. The problem is that clients connected to the Internet with valid IP addresses can download this file, but clients connected to the Internet with dynamic IP addresses cannot download this file. The download operation is performed by a module written in VBA Excel. There is exactly the same problem in executing commands that are sent in the Windows command line. I have attached the image of these instructions. I don't know where the problem is. Please guide me to solve this problem. Thank you. The first image: Command lines were sent by a computer connected to the Internet with a dynamic IP, which eventually encountered an error in downloading the file. Figure 2: Command lines are sent by a computer connected to the Internet with a static IP, which ultimately results in receiving the file.


Windows development | Internet Information Services
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  1. Rich Matheisen 47,976 Reputation points
    2023-06-20T15:12:00.54+00:00

    The client-side FTP protocol (in "active mode", which is the default) expects the FTP server to open an outbound connection to the FTP client -- and the server uses the IP address sent by the client. In the case of a client using dynamically assigned IP address, that IP address is on an unreachable (private) network.

    To remedy this, the FTP client should use passive mode and the server will then, usually make the connection using a reachable address. This doesn't always work. Also, I don't think the FTP client supplied by Windows supports the use of passive mode.

    Most 3rd party FTP client support passive mode connection. You can also using a web browser (by using the "ftp://" protocol).

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