Remote Desktop Question

[Jim]

I running three XP Pro computers on a LAN. Remote Desktop works great within
the LAN but not externally.

Shouldn't I be able to access these computers using "My IP address":3389?
Remote Desktop cannot find the address plus I cannot ping it.

I am port forwarding 3389 in my router but since each PC has a different
internal address do I have to forward 3389 to each address? I'm also
checking Remote Desktop on in the Windows Firewall.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

PS - I'm not a network wiz

 

[John Wunderlich]

I running three XP Pro computers on a LAN. Remote Desktop works
great within the LAN but not externally.

Shouldn't I be able to access these computers using "My IP
address":3389? Remote Desktop cannot find the address plus I
cannot ping it.

I am port forwarding 3389 in my router but since each PC has a
different internal address do I have to forward 3389 to each
address? I'm also checking Remote Desktop on in the Windows
Firewall.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

You will not be able to access it with "My IP adddress" externally if
this address is a private IP address assigned by your router (typically
192.168.x.x). You must use "Router IP Address" when connecting
externally.

You are correct to port forward 3389. However, only one of your
machines can receive this port forwarding. Pick one and live with it.

Alternatively, you can allow your router configuration page to be
modified externally -- then you can connect to your router from the
internet, modify the port forwarding to the machine you want, and then
connect.

The better solution would be to replace your router with a router that
supports VPN. Then, you can then VPN into the router, then connect to
any machine in your local subnet just as if you were there.

HTH,
John

 

[Jim]

Thanks John for your reply and yes, I will look into a VPN solution.

Could you please explain how I find my Router IP address? Is it the address
listed below DHCP?

Jim

 

[John Wunderlich]

Thanks John for your reply and yes, I will look into a VPN
solution.

Could you please explain how I find my Router IP address? Is it
the address listed below DHCP?

Jim

The straightforward way is to connect to your router's configuration
page with your web browser. Usually <http://192.168.1.1> but depends
on your router manufacturer and router configuration.

The quickest way is to connect to:
http://whatismyip.com

which will report the address that the internet at large thinks
you're coming from. In most cases, this is your router IP address.

Your post headers indicate that you are coming from:
68.39.113.227

HTH,
John

 

[Jim]

Yes John, that is the address I have been using in my_ip_address:3389 which
does not work. It appears port 3389 is blocked.


Jim

 

[John Wunderlich]

Yes John, that is the address I have been using in
my_ip_address:3389 which does not work. It appears port 3389 is
blocked.

It very well could be. When I had Adelphia Cable, it was against the
Terms of Service (TOS) to have *any* server on their network and to
enforce this, they blocked a bunch of incoming ports. Remote desktop
is technically a "service" at your end, so your provider might have
blocked that port as well. IIRC, they did allow VPN, so a router that
supports VPN may still be a viable option for you. Check with your ISP
and/or read your TOS.

HTH,
John

 

[Jim]

Many thanks John, I think I will give VPN a try, if I can figure it out!

Jim