Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

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Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Thread Starter: Steep Started: 07-29-2010 10:12 AM Replies: 23

Telexy Forums » SymNC for S60 3rd/5th » Troubleshooting » Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

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29 Jul 2010, 10:12 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

I am using the trial version of SymNC on my Nokia N97. In the FAQ I read that I can do work with remote computers
quote:
"You may use SymRDP over many types of connections : 3G, 3.5G, 4G, GPRS, an so on. "
But when I select the NETWORK icon, all I see is the WLAN access points, no way to add another one with different parameters, e.g. IP address or host name or to select one from the already set phone access points.
So, I don't understand how I could browse remote computers [*-)]

29 Jul 2010, 1:28 PM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

You are on the right way, almost.

1. Yes, you should select Network icon and you will see the list of available Access Points.
2. Select needed Access Points and if all is ok then you should see the list of computers.
3. Select needed computer and hit Options. In opened menu you will see among others (only if you are using S60 5th phone) the items called "Remote Desktop" and "Create RDP link". Here you go.

For more information you may have a look at SymNC User guide.

Steep wrote:
In the FAQ I read that I can do work with remote computers ...

By the way, in FAQ for SymNC you may see following question and answer:

Question. Where is SymRDP in Telexy Network Commander (SymNC)?

Answer. RDP functionality is naturally integrated into SymNC.
In the main windows you may see "RDP Links" - a list of pre-arranged RDP session descriptors (this feature available ONLY for S60 5th edition phones). Also, if you are browsing a Network and current item is network computer, then via Options menu should be available commands related to SymRDP: "Remote Desktop" and "Create RDP link".

30 Jul 2010, 2:47 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Hello and thanks for your help
Sorry for posting in an inappropriate thread

I just wanted to point out that when I select the Network icon I cannot choose an access point other than a WLAN one - the others (WAP, etc) are not listed and I have no way to add them. Therefore if I am say, in another town, I cannot see the desired computer since the WLAN is not available and no other access points are available either, to use with an IP address or hostname in order to connect to my home LAN.
Moreover, but this is probably a different problem, I am unable to shutdown/restart another computer in my WLAN - when I issue the command with the warning msg and timeout and all, nothing happens on the target computer. Is this because only one disk is shared instead of the whole computer?
I have tried this option on a XP and also on a Vista PC.
I hope I have explained this clearly enough, if not I will try to explain better.
Thank you

31 Jul 2010, 1:06 AM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

1. About using phone on remote location ("in another town") for accessing computer via Wi-Fi, 3G or GPRS connection.
Before moving in this direction you should check and make sure that the same computer can be accessed from another computer on remote location. Have you done this? Do you know how to do this?

2. About the situation with "shutdown/restart" for computer in your WLAN.
Please have a look at presented below link to small publication and let us know if you can successfully use the Shutdown software on one computer in your LAN in order to shutdown another computer. Can you use this software to shutdown any computer in your LAN?
Some related information can be found on this link: SymNC. Remote Computer Shutdown and Restart.

P.S. This thread is moved
from: Telexy Forums » SymNC for S60 3rd/5th » Suggestions and bug reports
to: Telexy Forums » SymNC for S60 3rd/5th » Troubleshooting

01 Aug 2010, 2:05 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Hi
thanks for yr suggestions

1. Yes I tried and accessed my network remotely (from outside my LAN) with my phone - connecting to the IPCAM whose port had previously been forwarded on the modem/router.

2. When I try a test rebooting from another computer in the LAN with "shutdown -i", what I get is the warning "Directory Service not available" - however I have watched the video and that is exactly what I do with SymNC but for some reason it doesn't work. Possible misconfiguration somewhere ?

Thank you

03 Aug 2010, 2:02 PM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Steep wrote:
When I try a test rebooting from another computer in the LAN with "shutdown -i", what I get is the warning "Directory Service not available" ...

Please clarify, am I right to suggest that in your situation it is not possible to shutdown this computer while using "Shutdown" software from another computer?
If so, then it is question about configuration on that computer that you are trying to shutdown.
In this case I may suggest to check information about using "Shutdown" software as quite possible that somewhere must be information about appropriate configuration needed on computer in order to use this software for remote shutdown.
If you will find some useful link(s) related to this case, please post them here as well.

05 Aug 2010, 9:54 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Hello
yes you are right - I cannot shutdown/reboot one computer from the other one. I am looking for configuration hints and if I find something useful, I will share the link here.
For now I found how to access a computer from outside its LAN with a software called Teamviewer, free for non-commercial use http://www.teamviewer.com/it/solutions/remoteaccess.aspx
unfortunately it only runs on another computer
Thank you

07 Aug 2010, 8:26 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

One more thing though... if you can confirm : the "Network resources" option is meant to include only devices that are INSIDE your LAN, not computers outside it. And that's why you can't add WAP access points. If I want to include a computer with his IP all I have to do is set it up in Settings > Network devices.
Is that correct?
Thank you

07 Aug 2010, 6:11 PM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Lets put it this way. You can use SymNC software to access computers in two major locations:
1. INSIDE of your local area network (LAN). Could be done over Wi-Fi connection.
2. OUTSIDE of your network. Could be done over Wi-Fi, 3G or GPRS connection.

You can use SymNC to access ANY computer in the World if both following 2 statements are true:
a). That computer can be accessible over Internet (not over LAN) from another computer.
b). Phone with installed SymNC software is able to get access to the Internet.

If you are going into "Network" in SymNC, then you will be asked which Access Point you are going to use.
If you are selecting Access Point that is associated with your LAN, then you will get access to computers in this LAN.
If you need to access computer OUTSIDE of your LAN, then you need to select appropriate Access Point.
That means that such Access Point should allow access to that remote computer or network.
The best option to access remote computer or network is to use VPN Access Point.

That is what VPN is for
and that is why SymVPN was created for Symbian S60 phones
and that is why SymNC is called the ultimate network software collection because SymVPN software included in SymNC as well.
( well, that was small commercial break at the end. Smile

)

P.S. Can you access that OUTSIDE computer from any other computer on Internet?
If the answer is "Yes" and you really know how to do it then you should use the same approach on your phone with SymNC.
If that computer cannot be accessible from any computer on Internet or you not sure how this should be done, then it is too early
to try SymNC for such access.

12 Aug 2010, 4:28 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Thank you
this explanation is clear.
I eventually bought SymNC cause there are several useful options that I am able to use.
VNC connection FROM OUTSIDE the LAN is still beyond my reach it seems, even though I have faithfully followed the tutorials to set up the access point and to make a computer in the LAN a VPN server. The VPN access point verifies ok if I access the "VPN server" over Wi-Fi from inside the LAN, but never succeeds over 3G connection (from outside).
I am probably missing something cause I'm not sure - I am quoting you here - how my computer could be made accessible from other computers over the Internet, after I have opened the standard ports for VPN, RDP, etc.
No tutorial of the several I have read in the last days explains this thoroughly - need to keep searching

12 Aug 2010, 11:42 AM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Steep wrote:
VNC connection FROM OUTSIDE the LAN is still beyond my reach ...

To make it clear. VNC is not the same as a RDP. Both are allowing Remote Desktop Access, but they are using different protocols. I think you have made a misprint here. Just in case, please confirm that we are not talking about VNC and we are talking about RDP only.
However, before going to RDP access it seems that in this case we need to make sure that it is possible to use VPN connection.

Steep wrote:
The VPN access point verifies ok if I access the "VPN server" over Wi-Fi from inside the LAN, but never succeeds over 3G connection (from outside).

There must be some Error Message text and Decimal Code in Details, could you share it with us as well as amount of seconds between hitting "Verify" and receiving that Error message?

Here is 2 tests to make. If test #1 is not successful then there is no point even to try test #2.

Test #1.
Try to access your "VPN server" FROM OUTSIDE, using another computer. Please let us know the result of this test.
If you don't know how to do it or don't have an opportunity, then you can let me know this VPN Server Name or IP address that you are trying to use for OUTSIDE access and I will test it for you. No need for User Name and Password, just Server Name or IP Address. You may send it in Email to Telexy Customer Support with reference to this thread.

Test #2.
Try to access your "VPN server" FROM OUTSIDE, using your phone, but instead of 3G connection use Wi-Fi based connection. You may try to use any "Wi-Fi location" that is not related to your LAN, for example other Wi-Fi accessible LAN or some Wi-Fi Hot-Spots and so on ...
Please let us know the result of this test.

Some chances are that Internet provider for your mobile phone is blocking PPTP VPN access if you are using 3G or GPRS connection. You may try to check this suggestion.
Please have a look: SymVPN. Mobile Internet Providers known for blocking PPTP VPN.

13 Aug 2010, 3:12 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

First of all, yes actually it was a misprint, VNC instead of RDP.
About the error message, when I try verification over 3G/GPRS connection it takes 2mins and 38 sec till the operation timeout warning appears and the details are as follows:
descr:     timeout
hex:       0xffffffdf
dec:       -33

The tests: unfortunately I am currently unable to try accessing the VPN server from outside with another computer or another wi-fi access other than mine - therefore I emailed to you the server hostname and current IP address in case you can kindly perform this test.

Last (but not least at all) the ISP. I talked to tech ppl from TELECOM Italia, who gave me the modem-router I am using and are my ISP for ADSL connection and they are not blocking GRE packets or anything else. I have also issued a help request to VODAFONE Italia, my ISP for 3G/GPRS connection but the answer is yet to come.
Thank you for your assistance and suggestions

13 Aug 2010, 3:49 AM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Have made this test with Server Name and IP address provided in your Email.

While using Server Name - PPTP VPN Server is not accessible. XP computer is reporting practically momentarily: "Error 800. Unable to establish VPN connection ..."

While using Server IP address - PPTP VPN Server is accessible! Fast responce time, around a 1 sec.

Try to perform access over 3G on your phone and use IP address in the Host field in SymVPN configuration.

Steep wrote:
I have also issued a help request to VODAFONE Italia, my ISP for 3G/GPRS connection but the answer is yet to come.

This answer will be very important, please let us know what you will get from VODAFONE Italia.

Have made one more valuable test - on Nokia 5800 phone, in SymNC 1.00.52 (not even latest version), via Wi-Fi connection, using provided IP address.
The result is: all works fine!
That means that if you will not get access over 3G connection while using the same IP address, then 99% chances are that Phone Internet Provider is blocking VPN for mobile phone users. Lets hope that it will not be the case.

13 Aug 2010, 6:41 AM

Steep

Joined on 07-29-2010
Posts 14

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

Thank you so much for extensively testing my VPN server availability - happy to know it works. Unfortunately I tried to verify using the external IP address but the result is exactly the same: timeout with the same error details. Now I wait for the Vodafone ISP answer and will post it here. If it's the ISP blocking VPN connections I can always change my mobile ISP (asking beforehand if they let the connection through freely)

13 Aug 2010, 12:02 PM

admin

Joined on 05-27-2007
..
Posts 816

Re: Puzzled about how to reach computers over a WAN

If it is possible you may consider one more option.
You may borrow a SIM card from another Mobile Provider from one of your friends who kindly may agree to let you use this card for a few minutes test. You may use this SIM card on your phone with exactly the same configuration in SymNC to test VPN connection over 3G connection provided from another Mobile ISP.

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