Configuring FTP and preventing IP Bans

Uploading or downloading an entire website, or a large number of files simultaneously, can use a lot of a server’s system/network resources. FASTdot’s servers, like most web servers, are all set to limit the amount of simultaneous connections to prevent system overloads and any adverse affects on other clients while files are being transferred.

Uploading or downloading an entire website, or a large number of files simultaneously, can use a lot of a server’s system/network resources. FASTdot’s servers, like most web servers, are all set to limit the amount of simultaneous connections to prevent system overloads and any adverse affects on other clients while files are being transferred.

If the FTP client you are using to perform your transfers exceeds this limit, our servers are set to automatically ban your IP address temporarily, resulting in the loss of connection between your computer and the server. This will mean you will no longer have access to your emails or website while the block is in place or while you are connecting using the same IP address.

Whilst this block is only temporary and will be removed 30-60 minutes after the block was initiated, there are ways you can prevent this block from occurring in the first place.

Below are some suggestions which may help you in avoiding this problem:

1. Choose the right FTP client

The FTP client you use will have a big impact on how easy it is for you to transfer your website files. We think the programs listed here are all pretty good and worth a look:

http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/
http://www.wsftp.com/
http://www.bpftp.com/
http://www.coffeecup.com/

Our preferred client is FileZilla due its simplicity and ease of configuration.

2. Configure Your FTP Client Correctly

The FTP clients above will all let you configure a wide range of settings affecting the transfer process. Probably the most important of these is the amount of connections your client will attempt to make to upload/download your files.

It is recommended you use no more than a “safe” setting of “max simultaneous connections : 4” and “max concurrent downloads/uploads : 8”

3. Make Sure You Have the Correct Login Details Before You Begin.

The server blocks an offending client IP address after a certain number of failed login attempts. If you try to login a couple of times and it doesn’t work, clarify your details are correct and contact us if you require the details to be resent to the account holder’s email.

4. Be wary of FTP clients that are built into web design software

Many programs used to develop web pages include an FTP client, however these are generally better suited to being used for individual file uploads and “on the fly” page edits. They can lack “real” advanced configuration settings and often exceed server connection limits.

An example of this is Adobe Dreamweaver. While being our preferred HTML editor, it unfortunately falls short on the FTP side and is often the source of client’s IP bans while transferring large quantities of files.