Can't connect to my server

No one can connect to my Apache server.

[Lateralus]

I am running the latest version of Apache server on my home computer and hosting my personal website. It worked just fine for the 1st couple of weeks and then about 2 weeks ago suddenly no one can connect. I did install a new anti virus (Eset Smart Security), but even when I turn everything off; all firewalls and antiviruses, still no one can connect from anywhere. People can ping my IP just fine. My IP is 98.***.46.176 and my server of course is [98.***.46.176....] I am running Vista Home edition 64 bit with x86. Like I said it has worked before.

[edited by: jdMorgan at 2:41 pm (utc) on April 14, 2009]
[edit reason] Obscured IP address [/edit]

[jdMorgan]

Go to your ISP's Web site, and look at their Terms of Service. You may find that they do not allow standard residential accounts to run a server, and you may have been blocked. If so, count yourself lucky, as many ISPs will simply cancel your account (and refuse to re-open it) if you run a server in violation of their Terms.

This is because most residential networks are engineered for low-traffic from the residence (page requests from your browser) and high traffic to the residence (Web pages, images, etc. sent to your browser by servers). When you run a server, this traffic profile is reversed, as you incoming traffic is low (incoming page requests from your visitor's browsers) and your out-going traffic is high (your server responding and sending pages back to those browsers). This seriously affects the other users of the network, and is therefore not allowed.

If you look at the definition of ADSL, you will find that it means "Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line." The "Asymmetrical" refers to the fact that the network is designed to support low traffic from subscribers and high traffic to subscribers. Therefore, the limitation is designed into the system; These ISPs are not being unfair or arbitrary in not allowing subscribers to run servers. Although this example is specific to ADSL, I chose it only because it makes the issue quite clear; Cable and Wireless Access provider networks are designed exactly the same way.

You can sometimes "get away with it" for awhile by using a non-standard server port instead of port 80. But again, their response may be to permanently cancel your account, or maybe even take you to court for "willful interference" with their network's operation. So beyond the ethical issue of following their rules, consider carefully just how important running a home server really is to you.

If it is important, then sign up for an account with a service level that allows it. Or instead, re-consider using a normal Web hosting account, so that you don't have to keep your machine running and provide support, air conditioning, maintenance, and backup power 24 hours a day, seven days a week...

Jim

[Lateralus]

Well, I can't afford anything and can barely afford my internet. I have a free host, and I use it, but I don't like it. I have digital cable internet and get 20mbs and I don't get much traffic, maybe 100 hits a day if that. If I set my server up through another port will other computers automatically connect to that port? I thought 80 is http?

[edited by: Lateralus at 3:12 pm (utc) on April 14, 2009]

[LifeinAsia]

It sounds most likely that your ISP blocked incoming port 80 traffic to you. Even if you switch to a different port, it won't change the traffic dynamics, so they'll eventually figure out which port you switched to and block that also. And a lot of ISPs block most ports (actually, most likely they only allow the most common) outside the norm to prevent hackers/Trojans and the like. So changing to a different port may not even work temporarily.

I would suggest trying a different free host- they are probably lots of them around there. But 20mbs is certainly not low-end service. So maybe you could downgrade that service and put the money saved to a low cost hosting option, which would most likely be better than a free host.

[Lateralus]

Thanx, but I need my 20mbs for downloading, lol. It's no big deal just frustrating. I tried changing my port several times and still no connection. Thanx for your advice though, I was just hoping there was a alternative solution.

[g1smd]

Hosting externally with Apache + PHP + mySQL (if you go for basic hosting) should cost per year, what you currently pay for your ADSL per two or three months.

[Lateralus]

Yeah I'd rather keep playing games and downloading stuff at high speeds than to have a paid host for a personal website. Thanx though. Also I have tried to pay for a domain name and host before, but I can't find a place that will take a money order they all want a credit card and I don't have one and can't get one. Even when I tried to pay through paypal they still wanted a credit card for address verification or something. I'll just stick with a free host and free name until I win the lottery.