I Need Some Assistance Please.....

[Jafo]

I have a few friends that I'd like to share a folder over the internet like we do at lan parties and was wondering what would be an easy solution if there is one. I tried to setup an ftp server, but I can't seem to get my Linksys wireless router to allow incoming traffic. I've forwarded the ports and port triggering and setup the dmz but I'm not all that great at networking so maybe I missed something. I also have this problem when trying to host online games. I've found a few links that help with everything I mentioned but doesn't seem to work for me because my ip address can not be seen when I try to run the ftp server.

What I'm looking for then is a software solution (I've tried Hamachi - works, but too slow) unless someone can guide me through the router problem.

[Capper]

How big is the folder? There are several file sharing sites on the web, try hosting it with one of those.

[carpenator]

I would agree, it would be much better to let someone else handle the security than to try and do it yourself and open your attack surface.

If you do need to host it yourself, it sounds like you are doing the right things. Can you connect to the FTP from inside your network?

I did a little bit of reading and it was talking about needing either a FTP proxy or passive FTP because the FTP server is expecting to talk directly to the client which does not happen with NAT in the way, especially when you have NAT on both sides of the conversation. Make sure you are opening port 20 and 21, it also seems that you have to open all ports below 1023 for outgoing as the FTP server uses a random outgoing port. I would suggest reading up on this as I have not had to do this much.

Again, if you don't want to have to spend time learning about ports and security, use someone else's server. Otherwise, prepare to get your hands dirty or leave a very open window to the Internet.

Good Luck!

[gvblake22]

If you've got a Google GMail account you could use the GMail Drive shell extension.

[[Dr. V]]

hmmm

Servage.net Quality Web Hosting

great quality hosting, MAJOR space, and you can simply share the FTP account uid/pass. cheap monthly rate, it's worth it if youre really serious about it.

if not, there are some free solutions, my favourite being the GMail one suggested by blake.

gd lk.