making an FTP server behind a router

[Eugene]

I have DSL and a router and want an easy way to transfer files between my friends and myself. IM programs like aim and msn don't seem to be able to connect, so I figure best solution is to make an ftp server, right? I downloaded this program called Cerberus ftp (http://www.cerberusftp.com/), but I don't know how to go around my router and tell both the ftp server and the router that the server is on my computer (so all packages coming to my IP addr will be able to route to my computer). Any ideas or other options? Thanks!

[attgig]

what brand router you have?

well, anyways....
if you go to your router's setup page (the web page where u put in the account info for your dsl), there should be a link for something like routing table... or routing.... or network address translation...

this is where u set up what ports go to what internal ip address...

so, set up the ftp port on the router to go to the internal ip address of your computer (192.168.x.x - just type ipconfig on your command prompt)

this:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/app_port_list.htm
is a good reference if you have other programs that u wanna use the port for....

btw, I use guildFTP, and i like it.

[Eugene]

COOOL. I know what you're talking about, but I'm not at home at the moment, so I can't play around with it just yet. Always wondered what all those things were for. =) and I have an SMC 7004ABR, i believe (the one w/the printer port). I'll check out guildFTP as well, cuz to me, ftp's ftp. Thanks!!

[Joshua]

Yeah, you should also look at the Port Forwarding tab and forward port 21 to your FTP server's IP address.

You may also have an option for a DMZ machine. If so, just enter the IP of your server.

[Eugene]

hmmm.... for some reason nothing is working. I got GuildFTP... went through the setup that they have in the Help, went into Virutal Server and rerouted the public port to my IP and port 21. When I try to connect to my own server, I get a lot of logging in 'past connections' (and the little logo thing moves a little bit), but I can never connect. Nobody has successfully connected, though I sometimes can see them connect (the logo thing turned green), but they can't browse (it says they don't have permission... but in the admin, I've set it up so they do). I tried DMZ, but it didn't help either. any ideas? Thanks!

[Joshua]

First of all, if you're running NAT, you won't be able to connect to your FTP servers external IP address from the inside. NAT can't connect an internal ip to it's own external IP.

Sounds like you already have access open if you're seeing them connecting. I'd say it's more likely file permessions or security on your local machine.

Are you running XP? make sure you turn off the firewall that XP has turned on by default.

Also, are you able to use file sharing without the router (connect your machine directly to the DSL modem)>?? Some DSL companies block all incoming ports for you. You might have to call them up and ask them to open port 21 inbound.