Connecting to OD from outside the office

edpsystems · Post by **edpsystems** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 2:16 am

Hi all,

I have a static IP our office router, how can I patch OD at home into the office server?

Cheers
Stu

openwide · Post by **openwide** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 4:51 am

just use windows remote desktop

edpsystems · Post by **edpsystems** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:23 am

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I want to install OD on an outside PC (home/other office) and point OD at the database server and its directories. Can I do this with a static IP or should I look into getting a VPN from our ISP and connecting through subnets?

Post by **jordansparks** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:15 am

Do not open a port on your router that points to your database. There's no way to secure that, even if you set your router to only accept connections from one specific IP address. The IP can be spoofed by anyone. You will need a VPN. Also, OD is sluggish in that configuration, and it's actually more convenient to leave a computer on at the office and RDP to that once you are connected by VPN. That's what I do every day. It would also work just as well to skip the VPN and use a software solution like GoToMyPC.

edpsystems · Post by **edpsystems** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 1:21 am

Jordan, when you say "sluggish in that configuration" which one do you mean?

We've recently been taken over by a dentist who runs another small clinic a couple of days a week, so I need to allow them access to our OD server to book appointments etc from their office. I was hoping that if their subnet's router were, say, 192.168.2.1 and our db server 192.168.1.4, I could go to Choose Database in OD on his laptop, enter 192.168.1.4, and his Laptop would connect when he's at either clinic.

I'm used to using RealVNC Free to remote to machines on the same network, but I spent a while yesterday trying with XP's Remote Desktop, tried RealVNC, did the port forwarding on our router, Firewall exceptions etc and just couldn't get the connections to work. So I'm beating my head against a brick wall and any help is very welcome!
Cheers
Stu

Post by **jordansparks** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:02 pm

I meant it's a little sluggish on a direct connection to the database over a VPN.

The way you describe it, you are trying to connect to a different class C subnet. As far as I know, that's not possible, because class C networks only allow connections within a single subnet. Seems much easier to just use GoToMyPc, or something like that for your remote connections.

Hersheydmd · Post by **Hersheydmd** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:26 am

Jordan,
I am using Windows Remote Desktop to remote in to one of my computers. It's password protected, so what is the problem? The connection works really well and fast. The only thing I can't do (which bothers me greatly) is take a Topaz home and sign notes with it. I wish there were a way to use it.

Post by **jordansparks** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:32 am

Robert,
There is no problem with the way you are doing it. That's not the slower "direct connection" that I was talking about. That's very similar to GoToMyPC, which I recommend in this case simply because he's having trouble with the VPN. GoToMyPC doesn't require a VPN.

Hersheydmd · Post by **Hersheydmd** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:18 pm

Jordan,
Thanks for clarifying that. While we are on the subject, is there any way to use the Topaz signature pad through the internet?

Post by **jordansparks** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:19 pm

I just now finally got around to enhancing this page
http://www.opendental.com/manual/multiplelocations.html
with 15 diagrams. You should take a look at it.

Hersheydmd · Post by **Hersheydmd** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 8:20 pm

Is there any way to use the Topaz signature pad through the internet?

Post by **jordansparks** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:31 pm

I think it simulates mouse input through a USB. So I don't see why not, but I haven't tested it. Patients won't have one, though, if that's what you're asking.

savvy · Post by **savvy** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:53 pm

I've been using Gotomypc for years.
It's GREAT.
Now I LOVE IT!!!
Yesterday I installed the Gotomypc iphone ap (FREE!!)
Now my iphone can be directly connected to not only OD, but all my computer stuff.
It's slightly cumbersome because I have alot of password levels, which is no problem live, but using the iphone is slightly clumsy.
But hey.....IT WORKS GREAT.

Cheers!!!!

GO LADY BEARS, BEAT THE Irish!!!!!

Hersheydmd · Post by **Hersheydmd** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:40 am

jordansparks wrote:I think it simulates mouse input through a USB. So I don't see why not, but I haven't tested it. Patients won't have one, though, if that's what you're asking.

No Jordan, I wasn't talking about for patients. I meant for myself. I'd like to able able to add or edit notes from home and sign on a Topaz connected to my home computer. I can't do it now. I tried. I installed the Topaz on my home computer but I can't get it to work through Remote Desktop to my office computer, unlike a mouse or keyboard.

Hersheydmd · Post by **Hersheydmd** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:47 pm

If the Topaz won't work over a Remote Desktop connection, will it work across a VPN between home and office? Or, for that matter, would it work in a cloud-based version of OD?

Post by **jordansparks** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 2:29 pm

Yes, it will work if you have a VPN and if you have OD installed on your home computer.

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Connecting to OD from outside the office

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