Networking through the Internet

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Campground Master can be networked through the Internet because it only needs a TCP/IP connection to the master computer. There is no need to have file sharing enabled, and no need for a VPN or WAN network setup.

The basics of setting up a remote/internet client computer are the same as for a locally networked computer -- install Campground Master, copy the database to it, and configure the Network Settings as needed. However there are a few differences you need to know about:

1. The Master's IP address will be different -- on a local network it's usually a number starting with 192 or 169. However when connecting through the Internet, you need to use the IP address as seen through the Internet -- typically this is actually the modem's IP address, which can be shared by any other Internet-connected computers in the office (more on that below). The easiest way to get this address is to open a web browser on the network master and go to http://WhatIsMyIP.com.

2. Because the client needs to know the master computer's Internet IP address, it's a good idea to arrange to have a "Static IP" from your Internet Service Provider (ISP, such as your DSL or cable network provider). Otherwise you may find that your IP address changes daily or any time the connection is broken.

3. If you're using a router, e.g. if your computer is not connected directly to the modem, then the router needs to be configured. First you need to make sure that any router firewall settings have an exception for the IP port being used (6010 by default). Secondly, you need to set up "port forwarding" in the router to route that port to the master computer (more specifically, to the master computer's local IP address) Refer to your router's documentation or call the manufacturer if you need assistance with router configuration.


Those are the primary issues with networking through the internet. On rare occasions there may be problems with an ISP blocking certain ports or causing further routing issues, but the 3 things listed above are usually the only issues different than local networking.

If you have a laptop that you take on the road but also want to connect locally when in the office, that can be easily done by changing the Master's IP address in the Network Settings back and forth as needed, between the local IP address to the Internet IP address.


Note: While networking is possible through a dial-up connection, you may experience problems if you're not connected on a regular basis. The synchronization process when connecting can result in the transfer of large amounts of data if you have been disconnected for more than a day. Even satellite connections such Direcway through as Hughes can be an issue due to the slow uplink speed.



Additional Topics:

Setting up for a Network

Setting up Multiple Connections

Network Setup Dialog

Other Network Functions

Net Client Diagnostic Dialog

Net Server Diagnostic Dialog

How Networking Works

Firewall Configuration Examples

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