Use VPN to Access iTunes Library Remotely

[kivowitties]

I'm wondering if anyone has had success using a VPN connection to remotely access their music/videos in iTunes on a home network connection. I've been trying to research and compile as much info as possible but, so far, everything I've read is unfinished. It's either an older version of iOS, an older version of OS X, etc.

I have Verizon FIOS, Mavericks, iOS 7, and I'm tech savvy. I want to keep things within Apple so using something like Plex, AirVideo, or any other software isn't an option.

Essentially, all I want to do is remotely access my iTunes library (both audio and video) from outside the network. If this can be done with or without VPN, I'm all ears.

Thanks for the help and guidance!

 

[mvmanolov]

there is no problem with doing this through vpn.. You could also do you by simple file share but i wouldn't recommend that as it provides no/or less security than vpn.

Now what you did not specify is if you want to be able to access your iTunes library on another mac or a iOS device. I personally do not know how to do it on a iOS device, although homesharing could offer some solutions there. for the mac end of things, (thats what i have) just setup the vpn server (MAV server 3.0.1 has vpn issues atm and for some can only connect via pptp and not l2tp) set up file sharing for your iTunes library folder, limit that to your access only for more security if you want, connect to the vpn server and mount the folder that you shared. then hold down the option key as you open iTunes and choose your library which is on the server at home. and voila it works

The other thing to consider though is that you need a nice and fast uplink from your home server

Good luck.

 

[kivowitties]

This is more for iOS. I can always remotely access my storage and I can option boot iTunes without issue. What I'm trying to do is create my own "iTunes Match" but for videos as well. This way I can utilize home sharing to access my entire iTunes library as if I was within my apartment. It's tough to figure out because, from what I understand, iTunes Home Sharing utilizes the Bonjour ports.

Any one have any thoughts?

 

[satcomer]

I'm wondering if anyone has had success using a VPN connection to remotely access their music/videos in iTunes on a home network connection. I've been trying to research and compile as much info as possible but, so far, everything I've read is unfinished. It's either an older version of iOS, an older version of OS X, etc.

I have Verizon FIOS, Mavericks, iOS 7, and I'm tech savvy. I want to keep things within Apple so using something like Plex, AirVideo, or any other software isn't an option.

Essentially, all I want to do is remotely access my iTunes library (both audio and video) from outside the network. If this can be done with or without VPN, I'm all ears.

Thanks for the help and guidance!

One: Follow the correct steps in How To move your iTunes library to External.

Two: The follow the steps in the video Use your Time Capsule as a File Server

 

[kivowitties]

@satcomer - Thanks for those sites but that's not exactly my issue. I already have access to my entire hard drive and externals. What I'm looking to do is to home share my iTunes library to my iOS devices outside of my home network.

I'm at Mac System Admin so the file sharing and setup aren't the issues. I have FIOS so I essentially have a Static IP. Where I'm having trouble is that even if I set up a VPN server from within my home network, it doesn't allow for Home Sharing to stream to my iOS devices. It will allow for file sharing (which I have without the VPN server setup) but not for home sharing. I want to be able to go into the Music and Videos apps on my iPhone and iPads and to be able to see (through Home Sharing) all of my music, movies, and TV shows.

 

[bebbo]

No Bonjour!

Unfortunately the iTunes sharing etc all work by locating the iTunes share via Bonjour. VPN does not support Bonjour as a VPN blocks broadcast messages by default and this is how Bonjour operates (Also using mDNS which is also not supported). There are ways around it by tunnelling the broadcasts over the VPN but it is not easily implemented.