FTP Droid - File Transfer for Android

The Convenience of FTP Servers

Maintaining access to an FTP server, be it through your web hosting provider or a locally hosted instance, offers a significant level of convenience.

The emergence of "cloud" applications such as DropBox and SkyDrive prompted consideration of their fundamental differences from a readily available FTP server.

Essentially, these cloud services prioritize ease of use, presenting a point-and-click interface accessible to users with varying technical expertise.

FTP: From Command Line to User-Friendly Interface

Traditionally, utilizing FTP involved navigating a command-line interface, which was often perceived as complex and geared towards technically proficient individuals.

However, modern FTP clients like FileZilla have dramatically simplified the process, making it comparable in usability to standard file management tools like Windows Explorer.

With a client application, the process of remotely connecting to an FTP server and transferring files becomes straightforward.

Comparing FTP to Cloud Storage

The core distinction lies in the user experience; cloud services abstract away the technical details, while FTP often necessitates the use of a dedicated client application.

FTP provides direct control over file storage and transfer, whereas cloud solutions offer a more automated and simplified approach.

Despite these differences, the underlying functionality – remote file access and management – remains remarkably similar.

Ultimately, both methods serve the purpose of enabling users to upload and download files from a remote location.

Leveraging Your Android Device as an FTP Server

Smartphones, as I’ve often noted, represent remarkably versatile technology. Regardless of whether you utilize an Android, iPhone, or Blackberry, these devices function as portable computers capable of handling a wide array of tasks. A frequently desired capability among users is a direct connection between their smartphone and a computer.

While USB cable file transfers are an option, a more engaging approach involves installing FTP Droid and transforming your Android phone into a readily accessible "cloud" drive, regardless of your location.

Upon installation and launch, FTP Droid initiates an FTP server on your Android phone, utilizing the device’s current IP address and port 21. Should you be connected via cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, the application will automatically employ the IP address assigned by your mobile carrier.

Ensure the "Require a Wi-Fi Connection" setting is disabled to enable functionality over cellular networks.

To establish user access, navigate to the Menu and select "Manage Users" after the software is running.

Create a username and password for each account. For segregated user directories, create the desired directory on your SD card and then, by selecting "Show advanced options", input the directory path into the "Home" field.

The Settings menu reveals the extensive configurability of this Android FTP server application. Options include automatic startup with the phone, Wi-Fi connection requirements, FTP port modification, and anonymous access settings.

The following illustrates a connection established using FileZilla.

The interface mirrors the familiarity of Windows Explorer, allowing you to navigate the directories on your SD card and manage files as needed. However, exposing the entire SD card is not recommended.

It is best practice to configure a dedicated subdirectory for each user, restricting their access to that specific directory rather than the entire storage.

To transfer multiple files from your Android phone to your computer, simply select them and click Download. This functionality is accessible from any location – a public library, workplace, or school – even with your phone at home.

This configuration facilitates file retrieval from your Android phone from any location, and conversely, allows you to upload files from any computer to your Android device. Using FileZilla, uploading is achieved by right-clicking the local file and selecting "Upload".

Effectively, you’ve transformed your smartphone into a personal "cloud" drive, accessible from any computer with an FTP client.

Upon returning home, the Droid maintains a log of all FTP activity. Access this log by tapping "Log" on the main screen to view a list of FTP events, including incoming IP addresses.

While transferring files is convenient, enabling FTP Droid unlocks a broader range of possibilities. Exploring resources on MUO will reveal innovative applications for an FTP server, such as mapping your FTP drive as a local drive with NetDrive, automating data backups to your Android SD card using Fling FTP, or establishing motion-activated webcams with images directly FTP’d to your SD card.

Utilizing an FTP server on your Android phone can significantly enhance its functionality and purpose.

Try FTP Droid and share your experiences. What other creative uses can you envision for this setup? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Image Credit: Sachin Ghodke