FTP Server : How to behind routers?

I've set up FTP servers many times, but I have never been able to figure out how to get a session going when both the server and the client are behind firewalls. Since when the server is in "active" mode, it tries to initiate the data connection on a randomly chosen high port, then client's router will reject the connection. likewise, if the client is "active", the server's router will reject the connection.

Both result in being able to make the control connection, but hanging forever at the LIST command.

Anyone know how to get around this? Could i just open up a range of high ports on my firewall so my server can accept active connections?

Use passive mode in your FTP client, should work. remember to forward both port 20 and 21

I figured out how to make it work in my own situation. My FTP server software allows me to define the range of ports used by passive connections. I set that range and then opened it up in my router. works fine now.