Copying Image Files Using FTP
The FTP protocol requires a client to send a remote username and password on each FTP request to a server.
When you copy an image file from the switch to a server by using FTP, the Cisco IOS software sends the first
valid username in this list:
• The username specified in the archive download-sw or archive upload-sw privileged EXEC command
if a username is specified.
• The username set by the ip ftp username username global configuration command if the command is
configured.
• Anonymous.
The switch sends the first valid password in this list:
• The password specified in the archive download-sw or archive upload-sw privileged EXEC command
if a password is specified.
• The password set by the ip ftp password password global configuration command if the command is
configured.
• The switch forms a password named username@switchname.domain. The variable username is the
username associated with the current session, switchname is the configured hostname, and domain is
the domain of the switch.
The username and password must be associated with an account on the FTP server. If you are writing to the
server, the FTP server must be properly configured to accept the FTP write request from you.
Use the ip ftp username and ip ftp password commands to specify a username and password for all copies.
Include the username in the archive download-sw or archive upload-sw privileged EXEC command if you
want to specify a username only for that operation.
If the server has a directory structure, the image file is written to or copied from the directory associated with
the username on the server. For example, if the image file resides in the home directory of a user on the server,
specify that user's name as the remote username.
Before you begin downloading or uploading an image file by using FTP, do these tasks:
• Ensure that the switch has a route to the FTP server. The switch and the FTP server must be in the same
subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the FTP
server by using the ping command.
• If you are accessing the switch through the console or a Telnet session and you do not have a valid
username, make sure that the current FTP username is the one that you want to use for the FTP download.
You can enter the show users privileged EXEC command to view the valid username. If you do not
want to use this username, create a new FTP username by using the ip ftp username username global
configuration command. This new name will be used during all archive operations. The new username
is stored in NVRAM. If you are accessing the switch through a Telnet session and you have a valid
username, this username is used, and you do not need to set the FTP username. Include the username
in the archive download-sw or archive upload-sw privileged EXEC command if you want to specify
a username for that operation only.
• When you upload an image file to the FTP server, it must be properly configured to accept the write
request from the user on the switch.
For more information, see the documentation for your FTP server.
Consolidated Platform Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS Release 15.2(4)E (Catalyst 2960-X Switches)
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