Overview
SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol, a network protocol that allows users to securely transfer files over the internet. SFTP encrypts both the data and the commands, ensuring that no one can intercept or modify them in transit. The SFTP tool uses SSH2 encryption to authenticate and establish secure channels between networked hosts.
SEAtS SFTP Summary
As part of the commissioning of the SEAtS environment for each customer, SEAtS automatically creates SFTP accounts for both the production and UAT sites. Each account allows the customer to upload and import their files to either environment.
SFTP Servers
The SFTP servers are deployed in the jurisdiction to which the required data laws are applicable. The available servers are:
UK: uktransfer.seats.cloud — IP: 67.207.71.8 — Port: 62477 Ireland: ietransfer.seats.cloud — IP: 217.78.2.211 — Port: 62477 USA: ustransfer.seats.cloud — IP: 45.55.124.28 — Port: 62477 Australia: autransfer.seats.cloud — IP: 104.250.108.60 — Port: 62477
SFTP Authentication
SEAtS supports both username/password authentication and private key authentication for SFTP. Private key authentication is preferred as it is more secure. A key pair consists of a public key (placed on the server) and a private key (kept secure on your system).
Generating a Key Pair
A convenient way to generate a public/private key pair on Windows is to use PuttyGen. Download PuttyGen from winscp.net, launch it, select Generate, move your mouse to generate randomness, then save both the public and private keys. Use a passphrase for your private key.
File Names and Folder Structure
Student photos should be named [StudentNumber].jpg or [StudentNumber].png. Import files follow the format: \files\[FOLDER]\[FILE_NAME]_YYMMDDHHMMSS.csv. The standard folders include: Students, Timetable, Staff, Events, Rooms, Devices, and others.
Uploading with WinSCP
WinSCP is a free SFTP client for Windows. You can use it to upload files manually or via a scheduled batch script using the command line interface.