Accessing Remote Computer through an Airport Network

[dandiggs]

Hi All,
This seems like it should be simple, but I've yet to figure out the solution. Any help is greatly appreciated!

I need access to a remote iMac which is in another state, connected to a private Airport Network. The Airport Network is set up to distribute IP addresses to those connected in the range of 10.0.0.1-255. So the computer's IP address is 10.0.0.1 The actual IP assigned to the modem is something along the lines of 207.192.243.38.

My question is, how can I remotely access the computer (any method is fine: FTP, Personal File Sharing, Remote Login, etc.) through this network?

By using the 207.192.243.38 address alone, I can't get in. And of course 10.0.0.1 won't get me anywhere. I know there's a work-around, I just don't know what it is... Help!!!

 

[yellow]

The router that stands between you (the outside) and the iMac has to be configured to allow traffic to be passed from the outside (traffic aimed at a particualr port) to the inside (aimed specifically at the iMac). If the iMac's owner doesn't have administrative control over the router to port forward whatever traffic to the iMac, then there's nothing you can do.

 

[dandiggs]

The owner has admin privileges, as do I. Is there an easy way to describe the process of opening a port? Thanks!

 

[yellow]

No. It depends entirely on the manufacturer of the router.
However, the forwarding of ports should be well documented in the manual (online or otherwise) from the manufacturer.
Just look for port forwarding or the like. It's there.

Conceptually you're doing this:

Externally, you want to SSH to a Mac behind a firewall/router. To do so, you must tell the router to allow all external TCP traffic directed to port 22 to be allowed inside it's firewall. Beyond that, it must be then directed from the router to a destination behind it's security, in this case the iMac. Once properly configured, any external SSH traffic would automatically be directed to the iMac, and therefore the iMac's SSH port (assuming it's listening for SSH traffic).

 

[jsw]

For the owner of the iMac, as it seems like he's using an AirPort (might have read it wrong):

• Open Applications->Utilities->AirPort Admin Utility.
• Select the AirPort and click Configure.
• Go to the "Port Mapping" tab
• Click "Add"
• Add a port public 5900, private 5900, IP address of his Mac and click "OK".
• Do the same for port 5901 (optional).
• Do the same for any other ports (21 for FTP, etc.).
• Save the changes

Now, Chicken of the VNC or another VNC client should be able to get to his iMac if it's got Apple Remote Desktop set up in Preferences...->Sharing

 

[dandiggs]

WOW! Thanks a million - I'll give it a shot. Now, if you wouldn't mind, explain to me real quickly: port 5900 is used by Remote Desktop protocol, I assume? Now, if I wanted to access it through Personal File Sharing (afp://etc), would I open the ports 548, 427? Is there a reason why using a VNC would be more advantageous than SFTP or Personal File Sharing? Truly, thank you for your help. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[jsw]

Sorry - about to sit down to dinner, and I'm not sure of the other ports. There's no plus to VNC unless you want to be able to see his desktop. Otherwise, look up and open the ports for ssh and other access protocols, and make sure that, if he's using his Mac's firewall, those ports are opened in there as well.

 

[dandiggs]

Perfect, that's all I needed. THANK YOU