SDHS Transfer Service - Using the SFTP Interface

The SFTP interface is available for use with any SFTP compatible client. It offers an alternative to the Web Interface for users who are comfortable with using SFTP as well as offering a convenient way of automating uploads or downloads as part of larger workflows with minimal user intervention.

All clients must be able to secure communications using a minimum of 256 bit encryption. Most up-to-date SFTP clients should support the full range of cipher suites and be able to connect.

In the example below we are using FileZilla as the SFTP client, however any compatible client should work.

Further information on automating SFTP transfers, or the use of other specific SFTP clients is beyond the scope of this guide, however there are a variety of resources available online detailing the processes for automating SFTP operations that cover the majority of popular scripting languages

Connection Settings

The same hostname, username and password are used to connect to the SFTP interface as those used for the web interface.

Connecting using FileZilla

1. Open FileZilla and enter the Hostname, your username and password and the port details into the connection bar at the top
   
   
   
2. You may be prompted with a dialog asking you to confirm the host key. The host key should match the value displayed above. Once you have verified that the host key is the same then click OK
   
   
   
3. If your username and password are correct, you will be connected and the list of available folders will be updated

Logging Off

When you have finished transferring data, you should log off from the service. Select Disconnect from the Server menu.

Sessions will automatically be logged out after 5 minutes of inactivity

Login Errors

If you get the following message, then there has been a problem verifying your logon credentials:

There are 3 likely reasons for this error are that your:

1. Username or password are incorrect
2. Your password requires changing
3. Account has been disabled, either due to inactivity or a request from a Data Manager
4. Account has been locked, due to entering the wrong username and password multiple times

The first thing to try is attempting to log on to the web interface at https://sdhstransfer.medschl.cam.ac.uk. The web interface will allow you to change your password if it is required.

If you are still not able to log on, then you will need to contact the CSCS Service Desk who can investigate why you cannot successfully log on.

Uploading Files

Once you have successfully logged in, you will be presented with a list of directories that your account has been configured with access to. This will look something like the example below:

All directories that are configured for Uploading include 'In-' as part of the directory name.

To upload a file:

1. Open the Study folder that you want to upload files to
2. In the left hand pane, use the file browser for the local site to find the file that you want to upload.
3. For the file that you want to download, you can either:
   1. Double click the file
   2. Right click and select Download
   3. Drag the file to the local folder
   Any of these 3 actions will initiate an upload. The progress of the upload can be monitored in the status pane at the bottom.
4. Once the upload has completed, the status will be shown in the Successful Transfers tab in the bottom pane.
   
   

Downloading Files

All directories that are configured for Uploading include 'Out-' as part of the directory name.

To download a file:

1. Click the Study directory that you want to download files from. All files and folders that are currently available will be listed, similar to the image below:
   
   
   
2. In the left hand pane, use the file browser for the local site to open the location that you would like to save the downloaded files to
3. For the file that you want to download, you can either:
   1. Double click the file
   2. Right click and select Download
   3. Drag the file to the local folder
   Any of these 3 actions will initiate a download. The progress of the download can be monitored in the status pane at the bottom.
   
   
4. Once you have downloaded the file, you can optionally delete it by highlighting the file and pressing delete, or by right clicking on the file and selecting Delete from the menu. The Data Manager of the Study will advise on whether files should be deleted after downloading or not.