GreenM
Is it possible to make my webserver accessible on the internet through my external IP on a residential ADSL connection. If yes, what port should I use, if not the default port 80 which is blocked by the ISP?
Joe
It is possible to do. However I would strongly advise you not to do it, and get a hosted server instead. Here's why:
- You need a fixed IP to do that. Yours probably changes very frequently, and you need to set up an update system like DynDNS.
- Residential ADSL connection usually have low upload speed. Check yours.
- Your laptop is not optimal for handling high load. You will probably not be able to handle a dozen simultaneous connections.
- There's a reason why ISPs block HTTP. (you could probably use any port greater than 1024 though).
- Electricity issues. This is Lebanon. You want to run your webserver on a UPS?
Here's what I think of home-based hosting: We all think about it at some point or the other, some of us try, but all get to the same conclusion: It's stupid, go buy yourself some real hosting.
Raficoo
It's possible, but to summarize what rahmu said, it's Lebanon. Low upload speed, limits, electricity cuts, high-latency. so unless you're not in Leb, Get a hosted service.
MrClass
Well, lets assume its for testing purposes. Yes you can, but you need a public IP. Ask your ISP how much will a public IP address cost and how much time its needed to configure it for your ADSL connection. Next you have to place your computer into the DMZ zone of the adsl router. Install your webserver on the computer (Apache or IIS). There you go. You can then host a website on your computer (for a couple of hours before electricity goes off :P )
rolf
A while ago, there were "dynamic DNS" services, which would map a domain name to a changing IP address. I dont know what happened to these. Otherwise, you will need hosting anyway, what you could do, is for example buy the domain thisismydomain.com (as example) and set up a PHP file on that domain (on hosted space) that will redirect to your IP. Then set up a script on your computer that will connect to thisismydomain.com every time it goes online then somehow communicate the dynamic IP and port your server is running on, this way clients will be redirected to the right IP.
I tried that once, but it didnt work on the first try and I gave up. $6/month hosting (or $20/month VPS) is so much easier and better. Why bother.
GreenM
Thank you all for your posts. I just wanted to have access to
http://92.62.170.17:(any port) from any computer.
rolf
Is that the IP of your computer or your router?
GreenM
my computer external IP (provided by the ISP). I tried changing ports, but it didn't work. Also, I configured my router (Thomson TG585 v7) to forward the port.
rolf
Normally if you modify/disable the firewall, and maybe try a port over 1024, that should work.
It may be that your ISP is blocking connections though, but I doubt it would, since that negates the advantages of a public IP.
Joe
What's the webserver you are using? Is it Apache?
GreenM
yes. btw guys, I dont have a static IP :]
