Ultimate Guide: Cloud FTP & SFTP for Backups, Cameras, and Devs
Published {$created} by Carsten Blum
Whether you’re backing up databases, recording video from cameras like Reolink or Axis, or uploading files from a custom app — FTP and SFTP remain some of the most reliable, flexible protocols around.
With ftpGrid, you get all the benefits of classic file transfer — without maintaining your own servers, certificates, or firewalls. Fully managed FTP/SFTP hostingGDPR-compliant storage in GermanyEncryption at rest and in transitAutomatic SSL/TLS via Let’s EncryptFree tier to get started instantly
1. Backup Storage Made Simple
Using ftpGrid as a backup target is as easy as pointing your existing backup tool to an FTP or SFTP endpoint.
It works perfectly with:
Server: edgeN.ftpgrid.com Username: PREFIX.yourname Password: ******** Protocol: SFTP (Port 22)
Example with Duplicati
In Duplicati, just set your target URL to:
sftp://PREFIX.yourname@edgeN.ftpgrid.com/uploads/
That’s it — Duplicati handles the rest.
2. Store Video Footage from Reolink and Axis Cameras
Modern IP cameras like Reolink E1 Outdoor, Reolink 811A, or Axis M-line support direct FTP upload.Instead of relying on proprietary “clouds,” connect them to ftpGrid and own your storage.
Setup Steps (short version)
Open your camera’s FTP upload settings
Enter your ftpGrid credentials
Set upload directory:
/uploads/Test connection
Done — your camera now uploads securely to ftpGrid
Read our full tutorials for each brand:
3. Use FTPGrid as a Simple Storage API in Any Language
Developers can treat ftpGrid as a lightweight “Storage API” using nothing more than standard FTP or SFTP libraries.
We’ve written complete examples for:
Each guide shows how to:
Generate a file
Connect to ftpGrid
Create
/uploads/directory if neededUpload the file securely via SFTP
No proprietary SDKs. No vendor lock-in.
4. Replace Self-Hosted FTP Servers
Running your own FTP or SFTP server can be a nightmare:
Certificates expire
Firewalls block connections
Hardware fails
Compliance requirements pile up
With ftpGrid’s Managed Cloud FTP Hosting, you skip all that:
Instant setup
Free SSL/TLS
Automatic monitoring
GDPR-first infrastructure (Hetzner, Germany)
You can even start with the free tier (256MB) to test it — no credit card needed.
Learn more on the main pillar page: FTP & SFTP Cloud Storage
5. Combine It All – Real-World Use Case
Imagine this setup:
A Reolink E1 Outdoor camera uploads daily motion clips via SFTP
A cron job runs a database backup each night to ftpGrid
A small Go app generates reports and stores them in
/reports/via SFTPEverything is safely encrypted, monitored, and managed by ftpGrid
This kind of hybrid workflow is what ftpGrid was built for — simple, flexible, and rock-solid storage for real-world use cases.
Summary
ftpGrid ties everything together:
Secure backup destination
Cloud FTP/SFTP hosting
Camera video storage
Developer-friendly API
No lock-in, no complicated setup, and total control over your data.
Related Tutorials
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