Remote Programming

Hi,

we have recently set up a c-bus job and have connected a CNI to the customers computer.

To achieve remote access via toolkit eg to change something at the customer's site, is it as simple as ensuring that their Internet connection is on ( cni plugged into the router ) and then from our PC entering in the IP address of the Toolkit session ?

 

Hi Alycia

Hmmm yes and no. There are two ways to do it. You can either connect to your client's PC (VCN server/client) or you can connect directly to the CNI through the Network.

Assuming your client has a broadband connection and you know the WAN IP address (not to be confused with the IP address of the CNI), you can connect but... you will need to forward the port used by the CNI (default is 10001) in the router to the CNI.

So when you connect to the IP address of the client's installation, the router will direct you to the CNI. Just remember that if you leave the port forwarded in the router, anyone could access the CNI and the C-Bus network. I've always tended to 'close the door' (not leave the port forwarded.. disable it) but this will either require more equipment or the client will need to give you (remote) access to the router.

Cheers

 

Another option s to create a VPN connection. A little more secure that port forwarding and gives you access to the entire internal network. The router needs to support it as well.

Mick

 

Hi....Can we try using a DSL modem with premise gateway on C-Bus instead of CNI so that it is safe and secure.

Regards,

Anupam

 

Thanks

Hi guys thanks for your answers, just when I thought we got hang of the IP stuff, but still heaps more to go.


Conformist :
Option VNC -the VNC is that like using PC anywhere ? any freeware names you recommend ?

Mick - VPN would the customers wireles Netgear router generally support VPN set up feature as part of its package ??? or is that other software to buy ?


Cheers

 

Real VNC is what I've always used. You run VNC server on the PC on the network where the CNI is located and the VNC client on your (remote) PC... yes, it's like PC anywhere

www.realvnc.com

Cheers

 

I find the VPN solution to be the easiest, I do this in my own home as well.
You just have to convince your client that you don't pose a security risk while accessing their network.
Usually, when you mention that this eliminates the need for you to physically be on site to do programming, they love it!

 

Yeah it all depends on if the router has VPN capabilities. I have a customer who I want remote access to but they have the standard bigpond router that from first glance does not have VPN capabilities. I either have to port forward and take the risk or convince them they need a new router that does support VPN. The latter is going to be fairly hard to do.

Mick