Figuring out web address

[Steverino]

Excuse my ignorance about networking issues, but here goes: I've published a served database via a workstation that has the database files open. While at the company, I can just enter the workstation's ip address, and view the database on the web. Outside the company, that doesn't work. How do I figure out the right web address? Is it "http://xCompany.com/something:591"? How do I figure out the "something"?

In a related issue, I'd like a user to open a remote host to get into their company's network when they're out of the office. The IP address I have doesn't seem to work, and the DNS name I have ("xCompany.com") also doesn't work. Does this have something to do with the company's firewall? How do I figure out what address to use for a served database when prompted to specify the host?

(I've also posted this question in the server forum.)

[Garry Claridge]

You will need to have port 591 "mapped" through the gateway/router to that workstation.

You will also need to "map" port "5003" for "open remote" to work.

Good Luck.

Garry

[Steverino]

Is there an easy primer for me on mapping ports? (And after I do the mapping, what do I specify for the web address and the remote hosts?)

Thanks

[Garry Claridge]

Your Gateway/Router should have a basic menu system with "Port Mapping". You map the ports to the LAN IP address of the workstation.

The address for browser (http) access will be similar to this:

http://theaddress:591/

For "Open Remote" access you would just type in the domain (or external IP address).

All the best.

Garry

[Steve T.]

Hi, Steverino! Since you're my namebuddy, I'll try to go into a little more detail (I think this is what's going on... could be wrong...)

Port mapping should be in your router's configuration area. A Netgear router, for example, can be accessed through the web by visiting the router's IP address (password). From there, you can configure the router for all kinds of theings, including directing all port traffic for port :80 or whatever to a specific internal IP address you are using.

From what I understand from your info, I'd guess you have 1 static IP address that the router uses (hopefully, it's static!) and your router then distributes internal IP addresses for your network to use... something like 192.168.x.x which is a standard one many folks use for internal IP addresses (there are others). From outside the network, however, you cannot connect to 192.168.x.x. What you can do, though, is tell your router (whose static IP address you need to know/learn) to forward/map any requests for web stuff (:80, :591, :8080, or whatever) to the server your designate interally (192.168.0.10 or whatever) as Garry said.

I guess the same goes for :5003 for FM. You'll see the router's IP address when you configure it or you might be able to see it by visiting http://www.whatismyipaddress.com.

I have not implemented port mapping for real... just saw the settings and how to do it while playing around with folks' home networks. In my departments at the University, we use 1 static IP address per computer and each one has a registered domain name so I can make any computer a full-fledged server at any time... I'm lucky and didn't realize how spoiled I was until I had to help other folks with their small networks.

Hope this helps!

--ST

[Steverino]

Thanks -- that did the trick!