FTP server behind Router with static IP

[bolsey84]

I am interested in setting up a FTP server. I own a linksys router, and I have a cable modem. Technically I have a dynamic IP on the cable modem (my WAN address), by it has stayed the same for the past year... so i could probably call it a static IP. How do I configure my linksys router to let packets through to one computer. What is the whole process involved for shareing files using FTP with a computer outside of my linksys network.

Thanks, Ryan

[GSXdan]

go into the router config and forward port 21 to your computer. you will need to use your wan ip address or get dns service from somewhere. you can use software like bulletproof ftp to host a ftp server. go to download.com to look for more with the options that you need.

^dan

[TheOldMan]

bolsey84,

Port 21 is the minimum. Depending on whether you want to force Active or Passive mode or allow a choice, you will need more. This link has great information about FTP behind a router (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,1381832;root=equip,16;mode=flat) .

Hope that helps.
The Old Man

[piasabird]

put the machine with the FTP server on DMZ!

[glc]

DMZ is the easy way out - and leaves the computer totally unprotected.

[reboot]

Agreed GLC, why have a router if you're just going to use DMZ?

[mattg2k4]

Even thought your ip address will probably rarely change, it would probably best to get a dynamic ip domain name through a site like dyndns.org. On my dlink router, it even handles the updating of the ip address automatically, I don't know if any linksys routers do.