Internet Access to IWP files

[SedonaMTB]

So I've got IWP up on my local network and users can log in and access the files. But I would like to make it available over the Internet. I gave a few folks the IP address used to share the files from my computer but the guy down the street can't access it. All the documentation I've read is vague or perhaps evasive.

What is the next step to allowing anyone I give the IP address to access to the files? Do I need to be running FMP Server? FMP Advanced? Register a domain? Is there a setting I've missed.

Thanks in advance!

[bayoyong]

I am having the same trouble. If you download the Internet Web Publishing pdf off the downloads section of filemakerpro.com, that will help. But you basically have to go into your router settings and change the port. I have tried changing it to 591 and 5003. Neither have worked. I have opened those ports via my sharing setting in my System Prefs as well. Can anyone help???

[T-Square]

I think the issue here is captured in the phrase "my local network." Your local network is probably using 192.168.x.y, a domain that is specifically designed for internal use, and is not accessible to the outside world.

Your DSL or Cable modem will obtain a valid IP address from your provider, either permanently (called a static address) or as-needed (a dynamic address). Many commercial ISPs use the latter, which makes it difficult for outsiders to target your website, since today's IP will likely be different from last week's.

Once you have worked out the IP address issue, you will still need to tell your router and firewall to allow requests made to the appropriate "port" to get through--and where to direct these requests (i.e. what internal IP should receive these requests).

David

[SedonaMTB]

Here's what I found out. You need to pay your service provider for a static IP address. It's like a domain name except that it's within your service providers control.

Dynamic IP addresses can be tricky to set up and require more knowledge. If you can do it, it is free.

There is more to this than FileMaker leads you to believe. They should make the distinction much more clear in their documentation. Most people when you use the word web envision that it is available to everyone, not just your local network.

I also just bought a copy of Lane, Love, and Bower's Book "Using Filemaker" and they don't even mention this in the Instant Web Publishing chapter. If you look in the index you'll find "Static IP Address" in the chapter on FM Server.

What a big head ache I would have saved if FM and other authers had mentioned that if you want to share you solution on the web with users outside your local network you will need to use a static IP address.

By the way, this feature is really great. I'm looking forward to getting it all straightened out.