You can set CuteFTP to maintain an active connection to a server even if you aren't currently sending commands or making transfers, by using Smart Keep Alive (SKA). SKA sends commands at random intervals to the FTP server, maintaining an active connection.
On the menu bar, go to Tools > Global Options.
Expand Connection.
Select Smart Keep Alive.
Enable Smart Keep Alive (SKA)
Select this check box to automatically send commands to a server to keep a connection open, and to make all the SKA options available.
Clear this check box to disable SKA and to disable all SKA options.
Start SKA n seconds after the last command
Choose how soon SKA will begin after transfers and other activity have stopped. You can choose to start SKA immediately or after 1,000 seconds (just under 17 minutes).
Maintain SKA for n minutes
Choose how long SKA will send commands to keep a connection open. You can choose as little as One minute, and as much as 1,000 minutes (just under 17 hours).
Send command at random intervals between n and n seconds
For after SKA has started, choose the shortest and longest time CuteFTP will wait before sending a command to keep the connection open. You can choose to set times as low as zero seconds up to 1,000 seconds (just under 17 minutes). Between 15 and 60 seconds are the defaults.
Commands
Click the Add button to include new FTP commands in the list of possible commands sent to keep a connection open. CuteFTP uses the listed commands.
Click the Remove button after highlighting a command in the list to exclude that command from the list of commands sent to keep a connection open.
If disconnected, auto-reconnect within n seconds
Select this check box to have CuteFTP attempt a new connection with a server that has closed a connection. Choose a delay time between zero and 100 seconds.
Clear this check box if you don't want CuteFTP to automatically attempt a new connection.