Learn How to Set Up an FTP Server on Ubuntu 20.04 with Ease
Greetings to all our readers! In today’s article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about how to install FTP server Ubuntu 20.04. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a widely used method for uploading or downloading files from a remote server. FTP is an essential tool that allows users to transfer files between their local machine and a remote server using the internet. In order to install an FTP server, we’ll be using Ubuntu 20.04, which is the latest version of Ubuntu.
Why Install FTP Server Ubuntu 20.04?
Using FTP to manage files is one of the easiest ways to handle remote file transfers. Installing FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04 is a great way to start, especially if you run a website or have a remote team that needs to share files. It’s worth mentioning that setting up an FTP server can be a complicated process, but it’s worth it considering the advantages it confers.
Advantages of Using FTP Server Ubuntu 20.04
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
1. High-speed file transfer |
1. No encryption by default |
2. Remote access |
2. Vulnerable to attacks |
3. Easy to use |
3. No resume support |
4. Centralized file management |
4. No compression |
5. Supports large file transfers |
5. Requires a dedicated server |
With this table, you can see that installing an FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04 can help increase file transfer speed, allow remote access, and centralize file management. However, it has some drawbacks, including no encryption by default, vulnerability to attacks, no resume support, no compression, and requiring a dedicated server. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages before installing your server can help you make an informed decision for your needs.
Installation of FTP Server Ubuntu 20.04
What You Will Need
Before we proceed with the installation process, here are the requirements:
- Ubuntu 20.04 server
- A non-root user with sudo privileges
- An active internet connection
- A static IP address
Updating the Server
Before commencing with the installation, it is crucial to ensure that your server is up-to-date. Updating your server will help ensure that all packages are current and that your FTP server will be installed with the most recent security updates.
To update your server, run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Install vsftpd FTP Server on Ubuntu 20.04
Now that we have updated the server, we can commence with the installation of the FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04. In this guide, we will be using the vsftpd package as it is secure and straightforward to use.
Issue the command below to install vsftpd:
sudo apt install vsftpd -y
Configure vsftpd FTP Server on Ubuntu 20.04
After installing vsftpd, we’ll configure the FTP server on the system. We’ll make necessary changes to the default configuration to secure and control our FTP server.
To initiate file transfer and ensure that the server is available to our clients, the following command must be executed:
sudo systemctl start vsftpd
Configure Firewall to Allow FTP Traffic
By default, Firewalls block FTP traffic. Therefore, it is vital to configure the Firewall to allow traffic to flow through the FTP port.
The command below will allow FTP traffic on the Firewall:
sudo ufw allow ftp
Create a New User Account for FTP Access
We will create a new user account with restricted access to specific directories that may be accessed with FTP. To add a new user, use the following command:
sudo adduser ftpuser
Configuring FTP user account access
The following are the steps to follow when configuring user access:
- Edit the following file:
sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf
- Add the following lines at the bottom of the configuration file:
user_sub_token=$USER
local_root=/home/$USER/ftp
chroot_local_user=YES
- Save and exit the file.
Restart vsftpd FTP server
Once you’ve made all the necessary changes, you’ll need to restart the vsftpd service.
The following command will restart the vsftpd service:
sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
Connect to FTP Server Ubuntu 20.04
To access your FTP server, use any FTP client of your choice. In this guide, we’ll be using FileZilla client.
Install FileZilla Client
The FileZilla client is a popular FTP client that can be used to connect to your FTP server. You can download FileZilla client from the official website.
Connect to FTP Server
After installing FileZilla, simply launch it and enter the following details:
- FTP server IP address (or hostname)
- FTP username
- FTP password
- Port number (default is 21)
After entering the details, click on “Quickconnect,” and you’re good to go.
FAQs
Q1. What is an FTP server?
An FTP server is a software application that runs on a server and facilitates the transfer of files between the server and a client computer over a network using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
Q2. What are the prerequisites for installing an FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04?
The prerequisites for installing an FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04 are:
- Ubuntu 20.04 server
- A non-root user with sudo privileges
- An active internet connection
- A static IP address
Q3. Is FTP still relevant in 2021?
Yes, FTP is still relevant in 2021. Although there are newer and more secure file transfer protocols, FTP is still widely used and is an essential tool for file transfer.
Q4. Which FTP server should I install on Ubuntu 20.04?
In this guide, we have used vsftpd as it is secure and straightforward to use. However, you can use any FTP server that meets your requirements.
Q5. Can I use FTPS instead of FTP?
Yes, FTPS is a secure version of FTP that uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure file transfers. It is recommended to use FTPS instead of FTP, especially for sensitive data.
Q6. How do I access my FTP server from a remote location?
To access your FTP server from a remote location, you need to first open the required port on your router and forward it to your FTP server’s local IP address. Once this is done, you can use an FTP client to connect to your FTP server from anywhere.
Q7. Can I set up user accounts for FTP access?
Yes, you can set up user accounts with restricted access to specific directories that can be accessed using FTP.
Q8. How do I restart vsftpd FTP server?
To restart the vsftpd FTP server, run the following command:
sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
Q9. Can I use FTP with SFTP?
FTP and SFTP are entirely different protocols, and you cannot use them together. SFTP is an entirely different secure file transfer protocol that uses SSH instead of FTP.
Q10. What is the default port for FTP?
The default port for FTP is 21.
Q11. What is the default directory for FTP?
The default directory for FTP is /var/ftp.
Q12. Is FTP secure?
FTP is not entirely secure. Files transferred via FTP are not encrypted by default, making them vulnerable to attacks. However, you can use secure versions of FTP, such as FTPS, to improve security.
Q13. How do I uninstall vsftpd FTP server?
To uninstall vsftpd FTP server, enter the following command:
sudo apt-get remove vsftpd
Conclusion
Installing an FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04 is a great way to manage remote file transfers, especially if you run a website or have a remote team that needs to share files. We have outlined the entire setup process in this guide, from updating the server to configuring the FTP server and connecting via an FTP client. With this guide, you can easily set up an FTP server without any hassle.
We hope that this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. We’d be happy to help.
Closing and Disclaimer
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. While we have taken every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this guide, we are not liable for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained herein. Always exercise caution and seek professional assistance when installing and configuring an FTP server on Ubuntu 20.04.