How to connect Android to shared folders on a network with Samba and FTP?
Currently, it has a greater dependence on servers for storing folders and files. Android has some limitations regarding the use of network protocols; that's why a mobile device can't connect to shared folders without any intermediary.
Next, we present relevant information on SMB and FTP protocols, their functionality and how to connect an Android device to shared folders on a network with Samba and FTP servers.
What is the PMI protocol?
SMB is a file sharing protocol created by Microsoft in so that their systems can connect with each other and share files over the network.
What is the FTP protocol?
Do you know what the FTP server is? First of all, you need to know what FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol used for transferring files in TCP networks in client-server mode. This protocol is widely used in the telecommunications field and can be easily configured.
What is SAMBA?
Samba is an open source application that allows access to shared SMB / CIFS resources from other operating systems such as Android, macOS and Linux.
To use SAMBA on Android, you need to install an additional application to connect a mobile device or tablet to the Microsoft file sharing network.
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Connect Android to shared folders on a network with Samba
Most users tend to install the Samba server on Ubuntu from the terminal. However, if you have an Android device and want to connect shared folders on a network with Samba, you can use one of the following applications available on the Play Store: AndSMB, Android Samba Client o Samba Server.
What is AndSMB?
AndSMB is a free App that allows you to connect your device to any shared folder on the network (local, Wifi, 3G / 4G) through the Samba protocol. This application is not dependent on others file explorers.
The most remarkable thing about this software is that users can manage folders, upload and download files within them. It does not require a “Root” user for its use.
What is the Android Samba Client?
This is an application created by Google to use the SMB protocol on Android for the purpose of sharing files on the local network without the need for other protocols such as FTP.
Android Samba Client is very easy to use. Once installed on your device, you need to indicate the network path where the folder you want to connect to is located along with its credentials.
At that point, the folder will be in the internal memory of your device and to view it you just have to use a "File Explorer" as “ES File Explorer” (also available in the Play Store).
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Connect Android to shared folders on a network with FTP
If, on the other hand, you want to use the FTP protocol to connect Android to shared folders on the network, you can take advantage of applications such as AndFTP e Admin Hands.
What is AndFTP?
AndFTP is an App that will allow you to establish a network communication as a client FTP da Android. It has a simple but understandable interface for managing files. With AndFTP you can change the permissions of the folders and synchronize them if you have the "Premium" or paid version.
Use Admin Hands to connect Android to shared folders
Admin Hands is the most popular and advanced application to turn your Android device into an FTP client. This App includes multiple functions such as connections via SSH terminal, secure access via administrator password via encryption and batch execution.
