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How could I setup a server on my computer? I wish to run a website and think it would be cheaper to run it from my already fast computer and internet.

I have the following questions about the topic:

  • Does the ISP block incoming connections to my IP or is it all controlled from the router?

  • If I buy a domain and want to use my computer as a server, am I going to be able to tell it the exact IP and Port to connect to? I do not believe port-forwarding port 80 is possible, so I would need to use a separate port if I am able to. Maybe using reverse proxies somehow?

Thanks!

Peter
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2 Answers2

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I want to run a web server from home

Does the ISP block incoming connections to my IP or is it all controlled from the router?

That depends on your ISP and also their terms and conditions:

  • It might be forbidden to run a web server at all.

  • They might allow it but ask you to upgrade your connection because of additional expected traffic or ask you to pay an administrative fee to open the ports.

  • They might be using Carrier Grade NAT which raises another set of technical issues.

If I buy a domain and want to use my computer as a server, am I going to be able to tell it the exact IP and Port to connect to?

If you have a static IP address then yes. Some ISPs will give you a static IP address for an additional fee.

If you don't have a static IP address then there are services like Dynamic DNS - Wikipedia. Some of these services are free (Free Dynamic DNS - No-IP.com - Managed DNS Services).

I do not believe port-forwarding port 80 is possible

Port 80 can usually be forwarded.

How could I setup a server on my computer?

There are plenty of tutorials. There is also a choice of software that can be used, depending on your technical ability.

DavidPostill
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Only your ISP can tell you if they are blocking traffic coming in on port 80. You will need to ensure your account is not behind Carrier Grade NAT, and ideally want a static IP. (If you don't have these you can bypass ISP blocks and limits using a VPN that delivers you a static IP)

Unless you change from http://www.example.com to http://www.example.com:8081 - if your router wont accept requests on the WAN interface on port 80, you can't change the http port as the port is implied by the protocol, and SRV records ate not used by http/https. Your router may (or may not) allow you to receive traffic on port 80 and then port forward to another port.

davidgo
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