Virtual FTP Servers
In a Nutshell - CIW Course Section 3, Part B1, Chapter 9
Virtual FTP Server: Creation
A virtual FTP server is an additional instance of an FTP server running on the host machine. This may be configured as a dedicated, a simple, or a shared server. More on this later.
The course instructs that the first step is to configure a new IP address on the host machine. This is correct for a dedicated or simple server, but is not required for a shared server.
I guess now would be a good time to discuss the three server types.
Dedicated Server
Each dedicated virtual server requires it's own network interface card with it's own IP address. Each host machine may have several network cards.
Simple Server
Each simple virtual server can share a single network card on the host machine provided the network card is configured with more than one IP address. Each simple server will use it's own IP address.
Shared Server
A shared virtual server can share the same network card and IP address on the host machine, but each server instance must use a different port number.
The first step in creating a virtual server of any type is to create a directory to be used as the root directory for the FTP service.
If a simple server is to be created, the next step will be to bind a new IP address to the NIC. This can be done from the "Advanced" option of the network card's "Properties".
As you can see, from the above image, I have clicked the "Add" button for the "IP addresses" to create a new IP address for this NIC. This may now be used for the new virtual server.
If a dedicated server is to be created, the next step is to physically add a new network interface card to the machine and configure this to have a new IP address.
Now, from the IIS console, right-click the FTP Server and select New | Site to start the FTP Site Creation Wizard. The Wizard is fairly self-explanatory asking for a site name, the IP address to be used and a port number if required. If specifying a port number, this should be a number greater than 1023. Browse to the new directory you created earlier, to set the root directory and set the permissions.
FTP Server Testing
I would suggest creating a few test files in the root directory of your new service so that a successful connection can readily be recognised.
The easiest way to test your new virtual server is to use Internet Explorer to connect to ftp://ipaddress. In my case, I created a shared server so, I connected to ftp://192.168.3.10:1024. Note the port number specified in the address. If successful you will see the test files you created in the directory.
The server may also be tested using ftp from a command line.