Setting up a VPN? - Page 2

roughbeast · 05-01-2014, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

I don't know if Plex media server has a built-in web server. You can't surf to a PC if you don't have a web server running on it.

If Plex does have a webserver then you need to go to http://IP.of.PC:1723/ in a web browser.

If you just want to see files on the computer you need to use an app that supports SMB shares, share something on the PC, then configure the app as required. There is no standard format for that.

Thanks. I tried the URL syntax you suggested, with and without Plex running. No joy in either case.

I believe that Plex has a web server.

Inevitably my early attempts were within the home network, so, for testing purposes I logged into next door's BTFON hotspot. Still no joy.

I don't want to go for a third party VPN facility like logmein, if I can avoid it. It's so much better to do it yourself if you can.

qasdfdsaq · 06-01-2014, 03:34

Logmein is not a VPN, it has nothing to do with VPN.

What exactly are you trying to do?

roughbeast · 06-01-2014, 06:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

Logmein is not a VPN, it has nothing to do with VPN.

What exactly are you trying to do?

Logmein allows you to access your desktop remotely, but also to access files if you want to pay for it. I want to access my desktop remotely. Very rarely I may wish to transfer a small file, but generally I can do this by emailing myself from my desktop. I understand that VPN will allow me to access my desktop.

qasdfdsaq · 06-01-2014, 09:21

No, VPN has nothing to do with that.

What you want to do is use something like Splashtop streamer (app and server).

roughbeast · 06-01-2014, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

No, VPN has nothing to do with that.

What you want to do is use something like Splashtop streamer (app and server).

Thank you.

Have just investigated Splashtop streamer. This is what I needed, albeit at £1.29 a month.

If VPN can't be configured to do this, what does it do apart from accessing files?

qasdfdsaq · 06-01-2014, 18:15

£1.29 a month? Yikes, it was free when I last used it :-/

VPN is a virtual private network. It links two networks or devices to pretend it's directly connected to the same network. This allows you to do things that only work over a local network that don't work over the internet. It also encrypts your data so intermediates can't eavesdrop on it.

Remote desktop works fine over the internet, and it's already TLS encrypted anyway making a VPN pointless for the above.

Mr Angry · 06-01-2014, 20:58

You should perhaps look at Teamviewer also.

The Cable Shed · 01-03-2014, 16:07

If it helps, I was based in the Middle East for 2 years. Black VPN did the trick me for. Have fun in the desert

mototrbo · 08-07-2014, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

You should perhaps look at Teamviewer also.

Thumbs up! but the free version gives you an hour for non commercial user and no port forwarding is requaird.

Also RealVNC is a great program and been using this for years since windows 98 however the personal now comes with a price.
https://www.realvnc.com/products/vnc/licensing
Free to Download RealVNC Viewer for Android

http://www.tightvnc.com
Free, Same as above but not as good as RealVNC

Qtx · 09-07-2014, 01:08

Logmein should be fine for what you want to do. I have it installed on families pc's and then they call up and say something not working, I connect and see what they have done. It's been free all the time I have been using it.

If you don't mind forwarding ports on your router and setting up some software to connect to, then VPN server on the box you want to control and also VNC on it (so you can see/control the screen)is a good option. As well as clients for windows, mac and linux, there is also one for android phones. So you can even control it on the go

qasdfdsaq · 09-07-2014, 01:28

I've always found the Remote Desktop services built into windows to be faster and more responsive than any third party "solutions".

roughbeast · 09-07-2014, 06:35

Thanks for all your suggestions. Logmein is clearly the most comprehensive remote desktop facility, but for my purposes TeamViewer seems to the right application. My need is very occasional, so does not justifying spending money.

My VPN requirements, when away from home, are limited to needing to appear to be in the UK when I am not. My Asus router VPN facility appears easy to set up.

roughbeast · 17-07-2014, 08:38

I have resolved my confusion over what I needed VPN for and what I wanted remote desktop access for.

My deep frustration is now with setting up VPN just so that I can appear to be in the UK, i.e. at my home IP address when abroad.

Last year I set up my Asus N66U to do just that. From Spain I was able to use VPN to access BBC iPlayer, the National Lottery and other geographically restricted services. I was also using VPN for security when using public hotspots in the UK. This worked on MS-based laptops and on Android phones. Now since the router firmware upgrade to 3.0.0.4.376.1071 I cannot access the ASUS VPN server. I have followed set up protocol to the letter, the way that worked before. I am not using DNS because my IP is not dynamic.

Have any of you successfully set up VPN using the same firmware? Is it possible to spell out precisely what settings you have used in VPN set up and elsewhere, e.g. WAN and firewall settings?

alanbjames · 19-07-2014, 11:44

The firmware upgrade maybe blocking a port maybe that was currently open?