Connecting to FTP server via the internet
 

so i set up an ftp server on my linux machine after a lot of trouble using proftpd. Now i can connect to the FTP via my lan by simply typing in the IP of the machine and then logging in. However I'm stumped as to what i do to connect via the internet. I connect to the internet through a DSL modem connected to my router, which both PC's are connected to.

Currently I went into my speedstream router (piece of crap) and set up a virtual FTP server on my linux box. I also moved the box to the DMZ as well just in case. I got a friend to try doing all of the following since i saw somewhere that i might have trouble connecting via the internet to my FTP if i'm on the same LAN. Anyways, my friend tried to connect to:

assuming the IP my ISP gave me is 101.100.99.5:

h ttp:// 101 .100.99.5
ht tp:// 101 .100.99.5:21
ft p:// 101. 100.99.5
ft p:// 101 .100.99.5:21

(spaces because it wont let me post URLs yet)

Firstly i'm not sure which of those is right anyways, or if any are correct. But regardless i'm pretty stumped, anyone have any ideas?

I am guessing you mean how do you connect via a browser?

Because it's an ftp server, you'll need to tell the browser you are needing to connect using the ftp protocol, do that with:
ftp://

Then follow that with your public IP, you can obtain that from:
http://www.whatismyip.com

And finally put them together:
ftp://111.111.111.111

And the browser should be able to pull them up. This certainly assumes your ISP hasn't blocked port 21. If it has, you have a few options, but we'll wait to go there.

To find out what ports you have open and available, head over to:
http://grc.com
And take their Sheilds UP! Test and check out the ports available and their condition.


Cool

antheus

Not sure what distribution you are using ? but in Redhat there is an option in security to allow incoming FTP requests

Also you will have to forward port 21 in your router to the server IP

Pete

I went to GRC and it said 21 was in stealth (green) but not quite sure what that means. I think i am port-forwarding by creating the virual server via my router, but i could be wrong.

In your router's setup screen, assuming there is one, you should find an option to allow port forwarding, and then it will ask you to specify the IP (internal IP) and the port to forward.

Cool