FTP connection issues over WiFi

[joh42mar]

Hi there,

I don't know if this is the right section but I have a weird problem that started earlier today.

I'm using Cyberduck FTP software to connect to websites on a particular hosting company's servers and it's been working fine for years. Suddenly I now have an issue where FTP connections fail on this particular host.

If I switch my Mac to use 4G the FTP connection works fine but once switched back to WiFi it refuses to connect again. Occasionally the problem rights itself and then stops working again.

Other FTP connections to different hosting companies work perfectly over WiFi. The host I'm experiencing issues with checked all my connection details and they are correct and as I mentioned are working using a 4G connection.

Where do I even start to fix this? Thanks for you assistance.

John.

[Mandisa-TT]

Thank you @KeithFrench 

[KeithFrench]

Hi @joh42mar 

Maybe, if it recurs, then I will need to see the log from your FTP client and ideally a Wireshark trace. Is your client using Secure FTP or just FTP? Please PM them to me to preserve your privacy.

[joh42mar]

Thanks Keith. It looks like the problem has cleared up. Maybe it was just a temporary glitch?

[KeithFrench]

Hi @joh42mar 

To find out why your FTP client cannot connect to this FTP server, does the client have any FTP logs on your PC? If so, please can you PM them to me (to protect your privacy)? Failing that, the only way to identify the problem is for you to install Wireshark and capture the failed connection attempt for me. I can provide full details of how to do this.

The information below is provided by TalkTalk. For confirmation, please contact @Lorrainef, the manager of the TalkTalk support staff on this forum.

KeithFrench is one of our valued Community Stars and can help with a range of issues related to wireless and networking. At times, he may ask you to send him test results via a Private Message to help analyse/diagnose an issue. Although Keith does not work for TalkTalk, he very kindly shares his time and knowledge to help others.

If you need further help or if we need to take any details such as personal information about your account, like phone numbers, account numbers, etc, one of the TalkTalk team will jump in and help out.

[amahle-TT]

We are currently investigating this, can you please try using another device at the moment, thanks.

[joh42mar]

I'm not trying to access a website, I'm trying to upload files to an FTP server.

[amahle-TT]

What is the full address of the website you're trying to access?

[joh42mar]

No, but the issue isn't being able to view a website, it's a problem FTPing files to my hosts server.

[amahle-TT]

Do you see a blocked webpage notification message when attempting to access the site you experience problems with?

[joh42mar]

No.

[amahle-TT]

Thank you for confirming, do you have any active monitoring for life threatening health reasons which is solely dependant upon your TalkTalk Broadband or Telephone line?

For example a care alarm, lifeline, health pendant or fall detector.

[joh42mar]

I am but I'm currently using a VPN.

[nambuso-TT]

Okay no worries. Please confirm if you are messaging us from home.

[joh42mar]

I've tried changing the DNS in my Mac's system settings but that didn't work I'm afraid.

[nambuso-TT]

Yes, you can update your DNS settings through the System Preferences on your Mac. Here’s how to do it:

Open System Preferences:

• Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.

Go to Network:

• Click on Network to open your network settings.

Select Your Active Network:

• In the left sidebar, select the active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi).

Access Advanced Settings:

• Click the Advanced... button in the lower right corner.

Navigate to the DNS Tab:

• Once in the advanced settings, click on the DNS tab.

Add Google DNS:

• Remove any existing DNS servers by selecting them and clicking the minus (-) button.
• Click the plus (+) button and enter the following addresses:
  • 8.8.8.8
  • 8.8.4.4

Apply Changes:

• Click OK and then Apply to save your changes.

After changing the DNS settings, try connecting to your FTP host again using Cyberduck. This may resolve any connectivity issues. If you continue to experience problems, let me know, and we can explore further options. Thanks.

[joh42mar]

Thank you. I'm using a Mac so would that be through my system settings?

[nambuso-TT]

Try changing your DNS settings to a public DNS, like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), to see if that resolves the issue.

[joh42mar]

Thanks for getting back to me. I've tried both of those as fixes and neither worked. I've fixed it short term by using a VPN. The issue is intermittent and seemed to start yesterday. I don't know if that info helps at your end.

[nambuso-TT]

Hi there @joh42mar. I am very sorry to hear this. Restart your router to clear any temporary glitches that might be causing the connection issues also ensure that your router's firmware is up to date.