I'm a G4 (OS9) user with a Siemens SpeedStream 2624 dsl ethernet router with a built in firewall that is preventing me from transferring files via ftp to a remote site. The company I'm ftp'ing to does not allow connection to their servers via passive mode. The router manufacturer doesn't support Mac and claims they don't support ftp issues (I suspect they just don't want to deal with Mac users) I'm desparate. For the past couple of months I've been disconnecting my network when I ftp, but this is really NOT an efficient way to get things done. Any ideas? (Again, passive mode IS NOT an option - the company I'm sending to REFUSES to accept files via passive ftp.)

You're probably going to have to use port forwarding. In your router settings, there should be an port forwarding option. From there, you'll be able to choose which service (FTP) you want to use, and the IP address of the site you want to connect to. This should allow an active connection. ----chri.s-

I consider myself fairly knowledgable on my Mac, been doing all my own troubleshooting, upgrades, installs, etc. for 15+ years, but this firewall and router stuff is really over my head. I do know enough to know that ftp usually uses ports 20 and/or 21, but don't even know what to do with that info. I've been to my router settings site MANY times (192.168.254.254) and can't find anything there that makes sense to me. (Went again after reading your post and don't see any port forwarding options.) The options I have to work with are: LAN Password Status Wireless Advanced Internet Access Control Dynamic DNS MAC Address Network Clients Options Printer Port Routing Security Upgrade Virtual Servers Remote Management Does any of this look relevant to you?

It's gonna be under Routing, Advanced, or Virtual Servers, most likely. Note to self: don't buy Siemens equipment. What happens if you lie and tell them you have a PC with the same problem? If the problem truly is as you describe it, the OS on the computer won't matter one bit. p

I've had wonderful luck with my Netgear 4-port Router. Easy to use. ----chri.s-

Well, tech support at Siemens still says they don't support ftp, but did send me to an article that offered this info: SpeedStream Routers - Configuring FTP via Cable or DSL Modem * Solution Login to the router. Select [Advanced Setup > Virtual Server] and enter the following: a)     Specify the private IP of your FTP server b)     Specify the Private Port . (In this case it would be 21 for FTP) c)     Specify the Public Port you want to grant user to access your FTP server. (The Public Port can be the well known port number 21 for FTP or 2121 for access.) Click [Enter] and your changes will take effect immediatiely. I did all of that and this time I was able to conntect to the remote server, and see the folders, but data only transmits at 106 bytes per second. (at this rate I'm please to announce it will ONLY take me 77 hours, 53 minutes and 3 seconds to upload a 16mb file!!!) When I disconnect from the router and connect my ethernet directly to the dsl modem speed is normal. I hate to think I just have to throw away the money I spent on the Siemens router and am a little nervous to go buy another brand. How do I know for sure it's the router and not something obvious and stupid that I'm doing wrong? Everything else works perfectly fine thru the router, just not ftp.

How recently did you buy the router? You may still be able to return it for a full refund, or at worst a 10-15% restocking fee. I can second that recommendation for Netgear, and their tech support doesn't actively refuse Mac support, though they aren't as knowledgeable about Macs as I'd prefer. p