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What Is FXP?

FXP stands for File eXchange Protocol. It lets you copy files from one FTP-server to another using an FXP-client. Normally you transfer files using the FTP protocol between your machine and a FTP-server, and the maximum transfer speed depends on the speed of your Internet connection (e.g. 56k, cable or T1). When transferring files between two remote servers using an FXP client, the maximum transfer speed does not depend on your connection but only on the connection between the two servers, which is usually much faster than your own connection. Because it is a direct connection you will not be able to see the progress or the transfer speed of the files.

Requirements

  • Both FTP servers must support FXP and have it enabled. Please consult with the server administrator since most FTP servers do not support FXP, or have FXP disabled due to potential security risks.
  • One server has to support PASV mode and the other server must allow PORT commands from a foreign address. The client logs in to both servers and then it arranges for a file transfer by telling one server that it will be a passive transfer and the other that it will be an active transfer, see example.

Example

The FTP client tells the destination FTP server to listen for a connection by sending a "PASV" command. The source FTP server connects to the data port reported by the destination server (after a successful PASV command). The client then passes the address/port in a "PORT" command to the destination server. Thus all the data goes directly from the source to the destination FTP server. Both servers only report status messages on fail/success to the FTP client.

You can transfer files from one remote server to another using SmartFTP by opening a remote server in each window and then dragging and dropping. For more information on how to do this please refer to the How To's for FXP transfers:
Tutorials

Keywords
fxp site to site transfer

Related Articles
icon How To switch between Active / Passive mode

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