Setting up an FTP server with remote access

[aelson]

   

Hey all,

 

I have a Linkstation Pro Duo and configured it to act as an FTP server by setting the folder configurations. I did not turn on the "Web Access" service.

 

Locally, using the IP address designated by my Westell model 7500 router, everything works. I can easily access everything through an FTP client.

 

Once I try accessing the Linkstation using my routers external IP address, using port 21(standard for FTP) I get a connection refusal.

 

I am not sure whether the refusal is coming from the router or Linkstation, I am perfectly capable of logging into my routers web admin using its external IP.

 

Any ideas how I can make this work? I am not trying to set-up anything illegal, I work as a VFX artist and have all my project files on a server so I can access them from anywhere I am, which would be a HUGE convenience for me. 

 

Thanks

[daoswald]

   

Configure your router to forward port 21 to the LAN IP address of your LinkStation.  It sounds from your description that you forgot that important step.  Without doing that, the router will automatically block any traffic from the outside world trying to enter your LAN through port 21.  Once you set port forwarding, your router will know what to do with port 21 traffic.

 

On some routers, you can select "FTP" as the application and forward it to your LinkStation.  On others, you have to specifically ask that port 21 be forwarded.  

 

[aelson]

   

I setup a port forwarding rule, but it still refuses connection. It seems no matter what I do is refuses to connect remotely.

 

Is there anything within the router configuration that might ban remote access?

 

any help greatly appreciated !

[PCPiranha]

 "Westell model 7500 router"

 

So you have DSL?  Could it be possible that you are double natting?

 

[aelson]

   Please explain.

[PCPiranha]

Double natting means that you're going through two firewalls.  This is very common with users that have DSL because they use a router as well as the router/modem that the ISP provides.  Going through 2 routers not only slows connection speeds but obviously prevents someone from properly forwarding ports.

 

to check to see if the correct ports are open go to canyouseeme.org

 

The easiest solution to this is to bridge either the router/modem or the router.

[aelson]

   The only secondary firewall I have is that on Windows Vista, which has an exception set-up for my FTP client. The firewall on my verizon router is set to minimum settings, allowing basically all traffic through. Is it possible that the router naturally has a system built in to avoid any kind of remote FTP access?

[PCPiranha]

hmmm, just send me your wan IP in a PM

[PCPiranha]

I'm pretty sure that you sent me the wrong IP, I need the WAN IP from your routers interface.  Send me that one.

[aelson]

   I went on mywanip.com, and that it is the IP it shows, I also checked my router interface.

[PCPiranha]

hmmm, and it was the same IP in both places?

[aelson]

   

yup.

 

I mean, I'm not a Network Guy, but I'm not that bad either, and I cannot wrap my head around this.

[PCPiranha]

It has to be a port forwarding/firewall issue.  If it works locally then the linkstation is working properly.  It is also possible that your ISP blocks the port.  I would contact them and see if they can bridge the modem and ask them if they block the port.

[aelson]

   

I'm trying to set-up the BuffaloNas web access service instead now.

 

When I click apply after I set-up my web access DNS name and key, I get an error saying it cannot connect to buffalonas.com, check internet settings.

 

My internet works just fine.

[OBie]

   

Ok, finnaly got my FTP working,,,,

 

But had to do it just a little different.

 

First, I had to Retire my 10 year old Linksys 4 port router and

 

bought a D-Link DIR-655 Wireless N, 4 Port Router. ($99)

 

It has a Virtual Server section.

 

Set it up for FTP ,Virtual Server but had to set the PUBLIC setting to Port 20 and

the PRIVATE setting to Port 21 and also set for TCP and UTP.

 

Of course, had to put in the IP of my NAS, 192.168.1.3.

 

NOTE to new folks, Linksys IP's are 192.168.1.x and

D-Link IP's are 192.168.0.x, so just keep that in mind.

 

Using FileZilla, put in my Modem IP, Username and Password plus PORT 20,

and it works great.

 

Hope this helps someone... :)

 

Message Edited by OBie on 08-17-2009 12:20 AM

Message Edited by OBie on 08-17-2009 12:24 AM

Message Edited by OBie on 08-17-2009 12:25 AM