How To build a home FTP server using FileZilla Server

 To build a home FTP server using FileZilla Server, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Install FileZilla Server

1. Visit the FileZilla Server download page.
2. Download the appropriate version for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the setup prompts:
   • Choose whether you want the server to start as a service (recommended) or manually.
   • Select the default settings for the port unless you have specific preferences.

Step 2: Configure FileZilla Server

1. After installation, open FileZilla Server Interface.
2. Connect to the server by using the default settings (localhost and port 14147 unless changed during installation).
3. Once connected, click on the "Edit" menu and select "Users".

Step 3: Create a User Account

1. Click "Add" to create a new FTP user.
2. Enter a username for the FTP account and click OK.
3. (Optional) Set a password by checking "Password" and entering a secure password.

Step 4: Assign Directory Permissions

1. Select the "Shared folders" option in the left panel.
2. Click "Add" under the "Shared folders" box and select the folder on your computer that you want to share.
3. Set the appropriate permissions (read, write, delete, etc.) for the user in the Files and Directories section, depending on your needs.

Step 5: Configure FTP Access via Your Router (Port Forwarding)

1. Log in to your router’s configuration interface (usually accessed by entering the router's IP address into a web browser).
2. Navigate to the Port Forwarding section.
3. Forward port 21 (the default FTP port) to the local IP address of the computer where FileZilla Server is installed.
4. If you’re planning to use passive mode, forward a range of passive ports (e.g., 50000-51000) and configure FileZilla to use this range in Edit > Settings > Passive Mode Settings.

Step 6: Test the FTP Server Locally

1. Open FileZilla Client (download it from here).
2. Connect to the FTP server using localhost or the local IP address, the username, and the password created earlier.
3. Verify that you can upload, download, and manage files as per the permissions set.

Step 7: Access the FTP Server Remotely

1. To access the server from outside your local network, use your public IP address (you can find it by searching "What is my IP" on Google).
2. Use FileZilla Client to connect with your public IP address, port 21, and the FTP credentials.
3. Test remote access by attempting to upload or download files.

Step 8: Secure Your FTP Server

1. Use FTP over TLS (FTPS) for encryption:
   • Go to Edit > Settings > FTP over TLS Settings.
   • Enable FTP over TLS and generate a certificate for encrypted connections.
2. Limit users’ access to only necessary folders and permissions.
3. Consider using a dynamic DNS service if your public IP address changes frequently.

Conclusion:

By following these steps, you'll have a fully functional home FTP server using FileZilla Server. This server will allow you to share files across your local network and even remotely if set up correctly. For security, make sure to enable FTP over TLS and control access through user permissions.