Robo-FTP User's Guide > Appendix > Active vs. Passive Mode FTP

Robo-FTP normally establishes the data connection between your PC (the client) and an FTP server. The data connection is a pathway over which the files that you send and receive are transferred. This is referred to as passive mode FTP.

In some cases, however, it may be necessary for the FTP site to establish the data connection. This is referred to as active mode FTP.

You may find that passive mode is required if Robo-FTP is being used behind some types of router-based firewalls or a proxy server.

Robo-FTP defaults to passive mode FTP. If you are using active mode and find that you are able to logon to an FTP site but are not able to list server directories, or send or receive files, you may need to reset Robo-FTP for passive mode operation.

Active mode may be enabled for a managed site by editing the site in the Configurator and removing the mark from the Passive Mode checkbox. Active mode may be used in the console window or in scripts by adding the /pasv=false option to the FTPLOGON script command.