how do I set up a FTP Server behind a router?

[iskim86]

I have a D-Link DI-604 router and I use Serv-U FTP server. how do I make it so others can connect to my computer's FTP server?

thanks

 

[JackMDS]

How would my friends find my personal server on this "Huge" Internet World.?

When using Internet connection and LAN in a regular home setting, there are two kind of IPs.

1. The external IP. This is the IP that your ISP assign to you to use the Internet.

2. The Internal IP. This s is the IPs assigned to our LAN's computers (the 192.123.xxx.xxx type).

To connect to your computers from the outside the person needs to know your external IP address. If you have a static IP it is very simple since your External IP number is always the same, and any one can connect to you (providing your Server software is active and ready to communicate). All they have to do is to type your IP number into their Internet Browser Address Bar. E.g. http://168.143.107.163

Unfortunately, almost all low cost Broadband Internet connections are Dynamic. I.e. they change often according to ISP preferences. If you are on a dynamic External address you can use one of the special services that can Route the traffic designated to you to your Internet connection. It is called DNS Service, and some of them are Free.

The service will provide you with a small Client program that should be installed on you server computer this program automatically sends the current External IP to their server. When someone wants to connect to your server they actually connect to an address on the DNS service and the services redirect the traffic to your current Internet connection.

Here is a list of most free (and for pay) DNS Services.

Link to: DNS Services.

The important aspects of the table are the first two columns.

Col. 1 - Sub Domains. It means that you do not have to buy any Domain. Your Domain becomes a sub domain of the service.

As an Example: If you subscribe to myip.us as jack your Internet address would be jack.myip.us.

Col. 2 - Custom Domain. The Routing service is free but it requires you to buy a Domain first. Cost of a Domain is about $10-$15 a year. The DNS service will provide the redirection service but your Internet address will be your domain. I.e. if you bought the Domain www.jack.com any one who types www.jack.com to their browser will be Routed to your server.



***Note 1. If you buy a Domain make sure that it is actually yours and that you can host the domain on a server of your choice.

***Note 2. Do not buy a Domain that does not provide you with on line Domain Controller.

What is a Domain Controller?

It is a link to a page in the site of your Domain Vendor that allows you (with an adequate password) to control on line all the aspects involving your domain.

Including, Ownership, Hosting DNS, etc.

***Note 3. Check your contract with your ISP running certain type of servers might be a violation of you TOS.

 

[iskim86]

yeah i got the point where I have my own DNS. but when I asked my friend to try connect to my external IP (ftp://ikesmv.serveftp.net : user/user if you want to test it out yourself) he couldn't see the contents of the directory.

ps. do not click on the link if you feel like i'm spamming you. but the files in the directory are just anime music videos created by a fan)

 

[Devistater]

Are you forwarding the FTP ports from the router to your computer? Also if you want to enable passive transfers (sometimes helpful behind a firewall) you need to forward those ports as well.

 

[iskim86]

how do I forward a port???

 

[JackMDS]

Link to: How do I open ports on my D-Link router?

Link to: Port Forwarding on Linksys Routers.

 

[Bloodstein]

Oh my gawd...exactly wat i asked 'bout a week ago....and i'm still stuck....lemme know if u figure it out...