Which is a better configuration for server?

FTP Server Configuration

• This question is from a friend --- I am on a home network connected to a Linksys Cable/DSL Router (BEFSR41) for sharing broadband. I would like to set up an FTP Server on one of my networked PC's so that I can share information only with Family and Friends across the internet. I am using BulletProof FTP Server Version 2.15. I have configured the server with my PC's local IP address, set up a shared FTP directory and user profile for remote access. This works fine on my local network, but my difficulty is in providing remote access across the internet. My Linksys provider told me that I need to "poke" a hole in my firewall to accomplish this. They said I could either enable access to ports 20 and 21, or set up my computer as a DMZ host. As I understand it, the later option will fully expose my computer to the internet. Naturally I am concerned about maintaining security, so this option is not all that attractive. In any case, I tried both of those options and was still unable to give remote users access to my FTP server. It seems to me that the reason remote users can't connect to my FTP server, it because my local network IP address isn't broadcast across the internet. My ISP does provide me with a webspace, so I'm wondering if it is necessary, or even possible to set it up there ? Or maybe there is a way to use my ISP's DNS servers to somehow direct people to my local FTP server ? I would appreciate it if someone could provide me with a secure workable solution to my problem. Thanks.

• Answer:

  Hello knowledge_seeker I have a few simple steps that should get you up and running barring a faulty firewall/router. 1. Confirm your ip address. A. If you are using Windows 95,98, or ME go Start>>Run and type in "winipcfg" without the quotes. In the new window that pops up select the network card that is currently connected to the Linksys and click on the "Advanced" button. B. If you are using Windows NT, 2000 or XP open a DOS window by going Start>>Run and entering "cmd". This will bring up a new window. Enter the command "upcoming -a" and the output will contain the current IP addresses of all network cards in use. 2. Confirm that you have entered the IP address in the above steps into the provided ip address field on the "Forward" tab which is located under the "Advanced" section of the Linksys configuration. Ensure that ports 21 and 20 are both entered into the ports fields also on the "Forward" tab. Make sure to hit the "Apply" button so that the changes are entered into the configuration. 3. Disable the DMZ routing. You should be good to go at this point. If people are unable to access the FTP server by connecting to your static IP address, then contact Linksys support. You may have a defective unit and Linksys support will be able to confirm this and setup an RMA for you. Linksys support: Tech Support Direct number 1-949-261-1288 TollFree number 1-800-326-7114 E-mail address [email protected] Linksys support webpage detailing the port forwarding setup: http://www.linksys.com/tech_helper/advanced.html markoft