Author: NetworkAdminKB.com
Created: 2009-07-07
Modified: 2011-10-11
Information:
All MS FTP configurations come down to gathering very basic requirements. These requirements help determine which MS FTP solution will be used. There are two standard MS FTP solutions that can be implemented in every company; one for Internal access and one for External access. Each of these two standard solutions have two possible Solutions for Storage and Internal Access that need to be considered based on the gathered requirements.
Standard FTP Solutions
1) Internal Access Only
a. All users using an FTP client/script will use the company network and/or use the company VPN solution to access the FTP Site.
b. Note: Not ALL Internal users need to use an FTP client, this applies to only those Internal users (if any) that are using an FTP client. See Internal Access Solutions for more information.
c. FTP Solution: The Internal FTP Server will be used
2) External Access Required
a. One or more users will use an FTP client/script to connect to an FTP site that is available on the Internet.
b. FTP Solution: The External FTP Server will be used
Internal Access Solutions
1) FTP Client / FTP Script
a. Some Internal users may use an FTP client to send or receive files.
b. Sending or Receiving files via FTP script may be required.
c. FTP Solution: Either the Internal or External FTP Solution can be used.
d. Storage Solution: Local or Remote Store can be used based on the amount of data and backup policy.
2) Windows Explorer / Mapped Drive
a. Some Internal users wish to use Windows Explorer or a Mapped Drive to send and receive files from the FTP Site.
b. FTP Solution: Either the Internal or External FTP Solution can be used.
c. Storage Solution: Remote Server storage to an existing File Sever should be used. This will simplify user access since the files will reside on an existing File Server.
External Access Solution
1) FTP Client / FTP Script
a. External users may use an FTP client to send or receive files.
b. Sending or Receiving files via an FTP script by the external users may be required.
c. FTP Solution: The External FTP site will be required.
d. Storage Solution: Either the Local or Remote Server storage can be used.
Storage Solutions
1) Local Storage
a. The final destination of the files that are to be received, or the source of the files to be sent, will all reside locally on the FTP Server.
b. Solution: This method tends to be limited to small files used exclusively on External FTP sites.
2) Remote Server
a. The final destination of the files that are to be received, or the source of the files to be sent reside, will all reside on a remote file server.
b. Note: When selecting a Remote File server it is best to use an existing File Server that users already map a drive to.
c. Solution: This method works best when Internal users need to easily place files on the FTP site using Windows Explorer or a Mapped Drive. You should also use this method if large files are to be exchanged.
Other Objectives
1) When selecting a Remote Server storage location use a server and folder location that users already have an existing drive mapping too. This will reduce your administration of the end user.
2) Use Virtual Directories (folders) for access to local storage as well. This will add a simple level of security by hiding all local folders.
FTP Design
There is really only one FTP Design that should be implemented and it should be implemented only once for each FTP Solution (Internal and External Access). When this general FTP Design is implemented adding new configurations to it is very simply. This FTP Design is typically called a Hub and Spoke.
Article ID: 434, Created On: 10/9/2011, Modified: 10/9/2011