Setting up an FTP server behind LinkSys Router

[Yohhan]

I'm hoping to set up an FTP server on my home network. I have 3 machines hooked up to a 4 port Linksys Cable/DSL Router (Model: BEFSR41). I'd preferably like to use a win based machine to do this, but I'd be willing to try linux (I've just started using it recently).

My question. What is the best way to do this, in a secure fashion? I was only able to get it to work by downloading a free ftp server off of tucows.com (caesar ftp), and making the ftp server the dmz host on the router. I don't think that's too secure for my network though, considering dmz host opens my computer up to the 'net. I don't really know much about opening ports, on my router (maybe someone with a similar router can help me?), and I'm not totally sure if that's what I'm trying to do here. I'm not great with networking, and I was hoping someone in a similar situation could give me a few pointers, maybe some links with further reading that might help me get this done. Anything would be appreciated.

Thanks ahead!

 

[mboy]

Try warFtP, I like it a lot.
When you finish setting up whatever Server you ar going to use. Chose an FTP port. Default is 21, but some people like to use an unassigned port # (63258) or soething crazy to keep the unsceupulous away.
Once you decide on a port, forward that port to the internal IP addy of the rig on your network you are running the FTP on. If you keep your rigs on 24/7 like me, you shouldnt have to worry about FHCP too much, but if you have a few rigs and the LAN ip's always changing, then just statically assign one.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Just remember that FTP authentication is not secure. Passwords and usernames are sent in clear-text. I would recommend being sure to only set a shared folder or directory with limited access and use long passwords with numbers and characters if possible. People can hit your server with word-lists all day long.

 

[mboy]

Yes, very true. Make sure you set up only 1 folder for users to upload and download to and makes sure it is LOCKED DPWN TIGHT.
Hell, at work I created an FTP server for those occasions when my users want to transfer something too big for email. I have my hardwall firewall block it until I specifically give someone permission to use it, then I create a 1 time user/pass for that person and when their session is done, I destroy the password and username and block it at the firewall again. I also have no mapped or shared drives on that particular machine!

 

[CTMorseJr]

I'm using Win2K Server and have an ftp site set up on my home network behind a Linksys router. I don't know about other ftp packages, but MS uses ports 20 and 21. If you don't forward both, it gets flaky at times.

 

[nnnyyy]

I have a quick question that I hope someone here can answer. I have a linksys router and an ftp server running IIS5. I can always ftp through the command prompt but when I try to ftp with Internet explorer, it just hangs. I can log in alright but it can't find any files. This is all from within the LAN. However sometimes it does work through IE but most of the time it doesnt. Anyone know the reason for this?