ExaVault supports all of the most common file transfer protocols: FTP, FTP-SSL, SFTP & SCP. Which one is right for you? Read on to get more details on each, or see our FAQ on how to choose which FTP protocol to use.

NOTE: This information is for advanced users who want to understand low level details on the various methods of connecting to their FTP server. If you just want to know how to upload and download files, check out our quick & easy instructions on transferring files.

Your ExaVault FTP site supports the following file transfer protocols:

• Secure FTP (SFTP) on port 22.
• FTP over explicit TLS/SSL (FTP-SSL) on port 21.
• Secure copy (SCP) on port 22.
• Standard FTP on port 21.

Secure FTP (SFTP)

Secure FTP (also known as SFTP) is a very simple way to transfer files over a secure channel. SFTP transfers are encrypted using the Secure Shell (SSH).

Secure FTP Advantages:

• Encrypted connection.
• Encrypted password.
• Lots of supporting software.
• Password-less authentication with SSH keys.
• SFTP is the way the ExaVault recommends that you transfer files.
• ExaVault's Secure Web Client uses SFTP.

To find out more about Secure FTP – including how to use Secure FTP with your ExaVault account, see the Secure FTP Details Page.

FTP Over Explicit TLS/SSL (FTP-SSL)

FTP over explicit TLS/SSL is another way to transfer files. It is similar to SFTP in that the connection is encrypted, but is built in top of FTP (whereas SFTP is a brand new protocol).

FTP-SSL Advantages:

• Encrypted connection.
• Encrypted password.

FTP-SSL Disadvantages:

• Slightly slower than standard FTP.
• Can be troublesome to connect if you are behind a firewall.

To find out more about FTP-SSL, visit the FTP Over Explicit TLS/SSL Details Page.

Secure Copy (SCP)

Secure Copy (SCP) is another way to transfer files and folders to and from your FTP server. SCP is similar to Secure FTP, in that it tunnels the transfer of files through SSH. SCP is most commonly used in FTP scripting.

Secure Copy Advantages:

• Encrypted connection.
• Encrypted password.
• Support for FTP scripts.
• Password-less authentication with SSH keys.

Secure Copy Disadvantages:

• Primarily command line access; limited desktop software support.

To find out more about SCP – and take a look at further details about FTP scripting, see the Secure Copy Details Page.

Standard FTP

Standard FTP has been around for a very long time . FTP was among the very first protocols that was used over the networks that became the Internet.

FTP Advantages:

• High data transfer rates.
• Lots of supporting software.

FTP Disadvantages:

• Virtually no security.

To see more details about standard FTP – as well as how to use standard FTP with your ExaVault account, see the Standard FTP Details Page.