How to Open the FTP Firewall Ports on ESX

Firewalls control access to servers and user desktops.

VMware's ESX servers contain a firewall called the "Security Profile." A firewall blocks access to certain ports and monitors the traffic in open ports. Firewalls help system administrators and basic users control access to the system. In the case of the VMware ESX Security Profile, FTP ports can be set as open or closed. A graphic User Interface, or GUI, controls these and other ports on an ESX system.

Instructions

1. Launch VMware Infrastructure Client, also known as VI Client.

2. Log in to the client with the administrative user name and password.

3. Click an ESX server in the left panel.

4. Access the security profile properties. Click "Configuration" then "Security Profile." Click "Properties."

5. Activate FTP ports. Scroll down to FTP Server and click the check box then click "OK."

References

• Virtualization Admin: Understanding VMware ESX Security Profiles
• Google Knol: How to use your ESX server as an FTP server