FTP help.

[Finnkc]

Hey tried searching for this topic but couldn't find it. Anyway I want to make an FTP server connected to the internet. I am sorta an idiot when it comes to networking.

However I have a few problems:

1. My router firewall. If I use port 21 on the router for the FTP server will that be enough? Or do I have to do something else?

2. How do I get the IP address for the FTP server. I can only get the IP of the server on the LAN but getting the IP for the internet connection I have no clue.

3. I have tried a few programs that help you manage your FTP server. Like users, directories, rules, connections, etc.. etc... Can anyone recommend a good program to use?

any help would be great thanks,

 

[mboy]

I like WAR FTP, but there are some other decent ones oout there.

to find your WAN IP, go here: http://whatismyip.com/

If you have a dynamic IP, it will change often (depending on your provider), but that is the IP you will need to connect over the internet too. Port 21 should be enough, some routers have ftp as a service you can forward so check that too.

Security is going to be an issue, so LEARN how to lock it down, or at least get a firewall to only allow the connections you want, otherwise YOU WILL GET HACKED!!!! It will only be a matter of time.

 

[StraightPipe]

any body got a good link that explains how to setup FTP from scratch?

I've gotten files off of FTP before, but never built my own.

 

[JackMDS]

The topic can be divided into three parts.

Software:

A: FTP Client programs: These are FTP browsers that let you browse the Internet (or your own Intranet) for FTP servers.

B: FTP Servers: Program that transform your Computer to be an FTP Server.

Both type have a lot of Shareware (few Freeware too).

Read what they can offer and Try.

You can start here: http://www.webattack.com/downloadfind.php?st=ftp&search=Search&action=s

Most of these programs offer good setup help on their Home sites.

Here an example: WS_FTP Pro Support Center.

Setting a server.

If the server is used for Internal LAN, or and the server is connected directly to the Internet (No Router, and No Firewall) there is nothing else to set.

In case of a Router, and Firewall the correct ports have to be opened.

The following page was written specifically for a Linksys Routers.

With a little imagination it can be transposed to establish similar settings in any Router.

FTP behind Linksys Router.

How can I be Found?

Since most of home users sit on the Internet with Dynamic IP, there is a problem to find them from the ?Out Side World?.

Come in the saviors in the form of DNS Services. You register yourself with a DNS Service (some are free for personal use). They provide you with a Static address (or you can buy a TLD i.e. iamabigguy.com) and a little program that transmits to their server your current dynamic IP, while they show to the World your static address..

You can find detailed instructions for setting up DNS service here: DNS - Domain Name System.

 

[Finnkc]

cool thanks guys ... ya I know how to use the router, I got BulletProof FTP Server v2.21 to run the FTP app and I just have to get a PC that I can run 24/7 for the server.

one more thing ... when I turn my PC it grabs an IP on my network because I am using dynamic IPs not static. I know I will have to run a static IP for the FTP server so the router can forward properly.

Anyway does the same thing happen when I reboot my router? Does it grab a new IP from Rogers Highspeed? Or does my PC grab the IP from Rogers?

Also if I keep my router on all the time am I keeping the same IP all the time? Even if I shut down the FTP server does the IP remain for outside access because the router is holding the IP?

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Finnkc

Anyway does the same thing happen when I reboot my router? Does it grab a new IP from Rogers Highspeed? Or does my PC grab the IP from Rogers?

It depends on the ISP.

If your basic service is Dynamic you can not count on having the same external IP.
In most cases it changes, some times it is every day, some times once in few weeks.

If you want to make sure that you are always reachable you need to use DNS service.