FTP Error 211: System Status
FTP reply code 211 is the response to a STAT command (when issued without a pathname argument) or a FEAT command. When triggered by STAT, it provides general server status information — connection type, current user, transfer mode, and data connection state. When triggered by FEAT, it lists the server's supported extensions (UTF8, MLST, REST STREAM, SIZE, MDTM, etc.). Understanding the FEAT response is important because it tells you which FTP commands and capabilities the server supports beyond the base RFC 959 standard.
Status
211 System StatusExample
220 ftp.example.com FTP server ready
USER alice
331 Password required
PASS ****
230 User alice logged in
FEAT
211-Features:
UTF8
REST STREAM
SIZE
MDTM
AUTH TLS
211 EndHow to Troubleshoot
Review the FEAT response
Send FEAT to understand what the server supports. Look for features like UTF8 (Unicode filenames), REST STREAM (transfer resumption), MLST/MLSD (machine-readable directory listings), and AUTH TLS (encryption).
curl -v ftp://ftp.example.com/ -Q 'FEAT'
Check for FTPS support
If AUTH TLS or AUTH SSL appears in the FEAT response, the server supports FTPS (explicit TLS). You can upgrade the connection to encrypted mode.
Common Causes
FEAT command listing server capabilities
highThe client sent FEAT to discover which extensions the server supports. The 211 response lists each extension on a separate line. This is the standard way to negotiate capabilities in modern FTP (RFC 2389).
STAT command requesting system status
mediumThe client sent STAT without a pathname to request general system status. The response includes server identification, connection state, and current session parameters.
Related Error Codes
References
| Specification | Section |
|---|---|
| RFC 959 | RFC 959 §4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
This reference was compiled from official RFCs, protocol specifications, and hands-on troubleshooting experience. AI tools were used primarily for formatting and organizing the content on the page.