The DCU proxy can also be used to gain FTP access to an external server. However this should only be used if you need to upload files. For download only access it is best to use any browser.

FTP Access Types

• Browser FTP (Download Only)
• Manual FTP
• Client FTP

Browser FTP

The default protocol of any internet browser is HTTP. So in the url you generally see something like http://www.somecrazysite.com. However, you can also use the FTP protocol through any browser by changing the url format. e.g. ftp://someftpserver.com.

If the ftp server allows anonymous access you will see the files listed in your browser immediately. If a username and password is required you will be prompted for your details and then granted access. You can see in the image below that I have connected to a DCU staff web account using ftp through the browser.

Manual FTP

Can't imagine there is too much demand for this, but it can be a good way to check that your ftp connection details are correct. e.g. The image below shows how to connect to the ftp server dpshiels.com with the username doyleju

Open a command prompt: Start > Run... > cmd
Connect to DCU Proxy initially: ftp proxy.dcu.ie
Enter remote server details as username: doyleju@dpshiels.com

Client FTP

Configure the client to connect using the Host address as proxy.dcu.ie and enter the external username followed by @ and the server name or ip address. The example below shows how to use WinSCP to connect to the same external ftp server as used above in the manual example.