I didn't know wether to post this in Networking section or Webserver section.

Before I say anything keep in mind I know almost nothing of networking ! My dad set all of it up.

Well, I've set up an apache webserver on my machine. Everything is fine, me and other people on my network are able to connect and view my pages. But the outside world can't connect to it. (when I give them my IP or domain)

I have 2 routers. My connection first goes through a Netgear router, then through a Qwest DSL modem/router, (qwest is my ISP), then finally to the internet.

I have no idea how to configure both of the routers so my webserver can get traffic.
How do I do it? Is it even possible?

Do I have to do a chain of 'Port Forwarding'? i.e. configure 1st router so it forwards port 80 to the 2nd router, then configure 2nd router to forward 80 to my PC? (i've tried this, it didn't work)

I've tried everything, nothing is working.

Having two routers in the network complicates things a little. Unless there is some overriding reason for having two routers then one is sufficient. Two is just an added complication you can do without. If you wish to extend the network then a switch is the thing to use, not another router.

However as you have two routers you need to disable DCHP and NAT on the Netgear router so it is just being used as a switch. Then on the Modem/router configure port forwarding to forward port 80 to the computer that is running Apache.

This is assuming that Apache is configured to listen on port 80. Depending how you configured Apache it could be listening on port 8080. The Httpd.conf file will confirm it.

Stuart

So if I disable NAT/DCHP on the Netgear router, and forward the necessary ports on the modem, it should work?
One problem.. I've disabled DCHP, but there's no option whatsoever to disable NAT.. :-/ Am I just not seeing it..? Or can I not turn it off?

If I'm not able to configure this NetGear router, I guess I'll have to buy a 'Switch'..

thanks for helping.

Well, I've checked the Netgear site, apparently it's not possible to disable NAT on this router..

Does that mean it's 100% impossible for my webserver to work?
If so I guess I'll get rid of the Netgear router, and use a Switch instead.

But if it's still possible, (to run a webserver through 2 routers that both have nat enabled) can someone explain/tell me how?

You do not have to disable NAT. You have to bypass it. This is as simple as making sure there is a cable connected from one of the LAN ports on the DSL modem to one of the LAN ports on the Netgear router. You will not use the Internet/WAN port of the Netgear any longer.

So, connect a cable between the two ports I just mentioned, and disconnect any cable that is currently using the WAN port on the Netgear. Then make sure DHCP is disabled on the Netgear. Configure your DSL modem to port forward your web server port to your Apache PC, and all should be well. Just make sure there is no software firewall on the Apache PC preventing incoming HTTP connections on the port the service is running on.

thanks SmittyZ3M, I will try that.

damn.. There's not enough LAN ports on the Netgear router. there's only 4 ports, and we have 4 computers.
I guess I have to buy a switch after all?
Unless I disconnect my brothers computer from the internet or something. But he probably wouldn't like that.

How much do these Switches cost? I only need one with a few ports on it..
Anything really cheap I can get?

How many switch ports does the DSL modem have?

1 for USB, 1 for Ethernet, 2 for 'phone line'

Then yes, you will have to purchase a switch if you wish to connect all of your PC's.

ok, thanks for all the help