FTP 215 System Type vs 502 Command Not Implemented
FTP 215 (System Type) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 502 (Command Not Implemented) is a 5xx Permanent Negative response. 215 indicates that the NAME system type, where NAME is an official system name from the list in the Assigned Numbers document. Reports the operating system of the server. In contrast, 502 means that command not implemented. The server recognizes the command but does not support it in its current configuration.
Description
The NAME system type, where NAME is an official system name from the list in the Assigned Numbers document. Reports the operating system of the server.
When You See It
After issuing the SYST command. The server reports its operating system type, commonly 'UNIX Type: L8' or 'Windows_NT'.
How to Fix
No fix needed — use this information to adjust path separators and line endings for the server's OS type.
Description
Command not implemented. The server recognizes the command but does not support it in its current configuration.
When You See It
When you use a valid FTP command that this particular server has not implemented, such as SITE or SMNT.
How to Fix
Use an alternative command or approach. Check the server's FEAT response or HELP output to see which commands are actually supported.
Key Differences
215 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 502 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
FTP 215: The NAME system type, where NAME is an official system name from the list in the Assigned Numbers document. Reports the operating system of the server.
FTP 502: Command not implemented. The server recognizes the command but does not support it in its current configuration.
You encounter 215 when after issuing the SYST command. The server reports its operating system type, commonly 'UNIX Type: L8' or 'Windows_NT'.
You encounter 502 when when you use a valid FTP command that this particular server has not implemented, such as SITE or SMNT.
When to Use Which
For 215 (System Type): No fix needed — use this information to adjust path separators and line endings for the server's OS type. For 502 (Command Not Implemented): Use an alternative command or approach. Check the server's FEAT response or HELP output to see which commands are actually supported.