FTP Server

FTP Server Data Connector

The FTP Server Data Connector enables Tricloud Nexus to transfer files between your Edge devices and external servers using the standard FTP, FTPS, or SFTP protocols. This connector is designed for robust, secure integration with legacy equipment, industrial file servers, lab systems, or cloud storage endpoints, supporting both data collection and automated job workflows at the Edge.

Note: The FTP Server Data Connector can be used for both file uploads (send files from Edge to a server) and downloads (retrieve files from a server), depending on how you configure Jobs on the Area.

Key Features

  • Multi-Protocol Support: Connect using plain FTP, secure FTPS (FTP over TLS), or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) for maximum compatibility.

  • Edge-Based Operation: Runs on Edge devices, enabling local file transfer workflows even when disconnected from the cloud.

  • Secure File Transfer: Supports TLS/SSL encryption (for FTPS), SSH-based encryption (for SFTP), certificate validation, and explicit or implicit security modes.

  • Timezone Handling: Automatically manage file timestamps with configurable server timezone settings for consistent archiving and traceability.

  • Flexible Integration: Works with most file-based lab equipment, data recorders, and enterprise file servers.

Configuring the FTP Server Data Connector

1. Add a New Connector

  • Select the Area node where you want to configure file transfer integration.

  • Go to the Data connectors tab.

  • Click + New data connector, choose FTP Server, and enter a name (e.g., FtpServer).

Add a new Data Connector

2. Configure Connection Settings

Configuration of FTP Server Connector

  • Name: Enter a descriptive name for your connector (e.g., FtpServer).

  • Server Address: Specify the IP address or DNS hostname of the FTP/FTPS/SFTP server (e.g., 123.10.10.156).

  • Server Port: Set the port number for the server. Default is 21 for FTP/FTPS and 22 for SFTP.

  • Protocol: Choose FTP/FTPS or SFTP depending on your server and security requirements.

3. Authentication & Security

  • Username: Enter the username for FTP/SFTP authentication.

  • Password: Enter the password for the account.

  • TLS Enabled: Toggle ON to enable TLS encryption for FTPS (ignored for SFTP and plain FTP).

  • TLS Protocol: Select the TLS version (e.g., TLS 1.2) for secure FTP connections. Protocol Tips:

    • Use FTPS or SFTP for secure, encrypted transfers whenever possible.

    • Match the protocol, port, and encryption settings to your server’s configuration.

  • Encryption Mode: Set the Encryption mode to either None , Explicit or Implicit. The type of Encryption Mode determines how the connection is initiated, when the Edge device connects to the FTP Server.

    • None Use plaintext FTP (Not recommended)

    • Explicit TLS connects in FTP on port 21 and upgrades to FTPS over another port (50000-51000), throws an exception if encryption is not supported. (Recommended)

    • Implicit SSL directly connects in FTPS assuming the control connection is encrypted. This has to be supported by the FTP server and usually uses port 990.

    Default encryption mode is Explicit.

  • Validation Certificate: (Optional, recommended) Upload a certificate file to validate the server for FTPS/SFTP connections. The validation certificate should be the public client certificate that the FTP server uses to encrypt the traffic.

    If no validation certificate is added, the Edge device will accept any SSL certificate received from the server and skip performing the validation.

    The certificate should be added in CER format.

4. Advanced Settings

  • Server Timezone Settings: Set the timezone of the FTP server for accurate file timestamping (e.g., (UTC) UTC). Most FTP Servers uses UTC Timestamps for all files, so in most cases this dropdown should be left at its default (UTC).

Example FTP Server Connector Configuration

Setting
Example Value

Name

FtpServer

Server Address

123.10.10.156

Server Port

21

Protocol

FTP / FTPS

Username

nexusclient

Password

●●●●●●●●

TLS Enabled

On

TLS Protocol

TLS 1.2

Encryption Mode

Explicit

Validation Certificate

[cert file in CER Format]

Server Timezone Settings

(UTC) UTC

Best Practices

  • Always use FTPS or SFTP for sensitive or production data. Plain FTP sends credentials and data unencrypted.

  • Match encryption mode (Explicit/Implicit) and port to your server’s configuration.

  • Validate server certificates whenever possible to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

  • Set the correct timezone for your server to avoid confusion with file timestamps and job scheduling.

  • Choose clear connector names for easy troubleshooting and management.

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