FTP Etiquette

What is NOOP or KEEPALIVE?
Most FTP clients have a built in feature known as NOOP or KEEPALIVE. When this feature is active (most clients have it as a default setting) it enables the connected computer to stay connected to the ftp server after long periods of inactivity.

Can I use NOOP or KEEPALIVE?
NO! THIS FEATURE MUST BE DISABLED. If NOOP or KEEPALIVE is not disabled, many FTP servers' autoban scripts will detect the feature and automatically ban your IP address from that server.

What is the RETRY rate?
Most trading servers have a limit on the number of active connections which may be present at one time. When you try to connect to a server that is full, you will not be allowed to connect. After receiving a response from the server that it is full, your FTP client will automatically reattempt to connect within a certain timeframe. This is the retry rate.

What should my retry rate be set to?
The standard amount of time between connection attempts should be set to no less than 120 seconds (2 minutes); however, this value is left to the discretion of the site operator who may require a higher value.

What does it mean to HAMMER a site?
Trying to connect more than once in 2 minutes is considered hammering a site and will reduce the speeds of the persons connected to the server, furthermore delaying your connection. DO NOT HAMMER!!! If your retry rate is set to a timeframe less than 2 minutes, once again, the autoban scripts will detect it, and your IP will be banned