SFTP connection fails

[ToddChitt]

I am trying to grab files from an SFTP site using a pipeline and Copy Data task. This should be no-brainer. I set up the connection, then in the Manage Connections and Gateways, after refreshing the status, the connection indicates "Online". But in the pipeline, if I click the "Test connection" link, it comes back as "Connection failed". The error is "TimedOut".

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @ToddChitt ,

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided and resolve the issue..?Please let us know if you need any further assistance.We are happy to help.

Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @ToddChitt ,

The fingerprint is only required if SSH Host Key Validation is enabled.
Run the following command to get the SSH Host Key Finger-print
ssh-keygen -lf /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key.pub
If you disable validation during connection creation, you don’t need to provide the fingerprint.

Below are few documentations which might help you troubleshooting the issue:
SFTP connector overview - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

Configure SFTP in a copy activity - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

Troubleshoot the FTP, SFTP and HTTP connectors - Azure Data Factory & Azure Synapse | Microsoft Lear...

Below are supported capabilities:

if you are using a copy data task it should have source and destinations, but the screenshot does not contain it. Could you please confirm which data task you are using in a pipeline?

Sample screenshot of copy data activity:

 

Screenshot which is provided by you:

 

Thank you.

[ToddChitt]

Hello @v-venuppu 

The SFTP site uses a non-standard port (2222) which is probably part of the issue. I use the following format for the server name property in the connection: <servername>(:2222) but have also tried <servername>:2222.

I have tried BOTH port 2222 and standard port 22, and BOTH going through an on-premise gateway (where they are able to connect) and NOT using a gateway. 

FYI, I am able to use an SFTP Linked Service in classic Azure Data Factory to connect to the SFTP site and read folder contents. That dialog box has a field for the Port number which makes it easier so I don't need to worry if I got the server name format right. Plus, there is a field for "SSH Host key validation" which is set to "Disable SSH host key validation". 

If I wish to mimic that "Disable Host key validation" option from ADF, what do I put in this field in Fabric Connection:

AND, why is that setting not exposed when you go to EDIT the Connection under Connections and Gateways.

This is so frustrating.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @ToddChitt ,

“Online” in Manage Connections only validates credentials, not full connectivity. The TimedOut in Copy Data usually means the Integration Runtime can’t reach your SFTP. Fix by:

Using a Self-hosted IR (instead of Auto-resolve) on a machine that can reach the server.Making sure port 22 is open and not blocked by firewalls.Matching the same auth method you used in WinSCP.Optionally increasing pipeline timeout.This should align both connection tests and let the pipeline run.

Thank you.

[ToddChitt]

>>“Online” in Manage Connections only validates credentials, not full connectivity. <<

That is just poor design, in my opinion. 

How can an SFTP connection validate username and password WITHOUT actually making a connection?

Here all this time I have been under the assumption, and I bet others in the same boat as well, that reporting back "Online" meant that Fabric could get to and authenticate to the resource!

What a disappointment!

[ToddChitt]

Hello @v-venuppu and thank you for the reply.

Before starting the Fabric development work on this, I hit the site using WinSCP from my local machine and everything was fine; I was able to connect, see the files, and even upload a new file to the site.

I have an issue with ONE part of Fabric (Manage Connections and Gateways) telling me the connection is Online, then ANOTHER part of Fabric (a Copy Data task in a Pipeline) telling me it failed.

That does NOT instill confidence in this tool, just saying!

Any other suggesting on what might be wrong?

[v-venuppu]

Hi @ToddChitt ,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

A “TimedOut” error usually means the pipeline can’t fully connect to the SFTP server. Check the following:

Ensure the server is reachable from your environment and the correct port (usually 22) is open.

Verify your username/password or private key is correct.Test the connection using an SFTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP.Make sure firewalls or proxies aren’t blocking the connection.Review server logs or increase timeout settings if the server responds slowly.These steps typically help identify if the issue is network, authentication, or server-related.