how to set up filemaker server for remote access

How to Setup FileMaker Server for Remote Access

• The Big Picture. There are two sets of IP addresses to think about when setting up FileMaker Server to allow remote...
• Click ‘System Report’.
• Click on the Network Info item on the left sidebar.. The IP address of will be displayed under the Built-in Ethernet, or...
• Choose the Make and Model of the Router. Select a...

Full Answer

How do I open a FileMaker Server from another computer?

Back in FileMaker Pro, when working offsite, select ‘File’ menu and ‘Open Remote’ option. Click the ‘Add’ button to add a new remote FileMaker server. Give the remote address a Nickname and click ‘Save’. If all goes well, the databases on the remote FileMaker Server should show up in the next screen.

How does FileMaker Server authenticate a user?

If the credentials of the user are valid, the authentication machine returns a list of groups that the user belongs to. FileMaker Server takes this list and evaluates it against the list of external accounts setup in the FileMaker Pro file and if there is a match then the user is allowed access to the FileMaker file.

What ports does FileMaker Server use for remote access?

FileMaker Server uses Port 5003 for remote access. For a complete list of FileMaker Server ports, check out FileMaker’s Knowledge Base here. Four things have to line up to allow Remote Access to FileMaker Server when it is behind a network router firewall.

What is the access control option in FileMaker Server?

This option allows the access privileges of those trying to access files hosted using FileMaker Server to be determined by the accounts defined in the hosted databases AND by accounts that are defined on the master machine OR on an authentication server.

How do I connect to FileMaker server?

Connecting from FileMaker Pro on your desktop computer: From the Start menu select All Programs, then select FileMaker Pro. Select Open an existing file and click OK. Click Remote… then click Add… In the Host's Internet Address: field, enter ccdb.cc.gatech.edu.

How do I setup a remote server?

Create a remote server configuration.Specify the name, type, and visibility of a server configuration.Specify user credentials defined during registration on the host.Enable connection to the server and specify the server configuration root.Map local folders to folders on the server and the URL addresses to access them.

How do I host a FileMaker database online?

Choose File menu > Sharing > Configure for FileMaker WebDirect to open the FileMaker WebDirect Settings dialog box. Select the filename to publish on the web from the list of open files. Provide access to anyone who has the IP address or domain name of the server hosting the database.

How does FileMaker server work?

FileMaker Server is a dedicated database server that opens FileMaker Pro files, makes them available to clients on your network, and publishes FileMaker data in web pages or to other applications.

How do I enable remote access to my server?

Right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties". Select "Remote Settings". Select the radio button for "Allow remote connections to this computer". The default for which users can connect to this computer (in addition to the Remote Access Server) is the computer owner or administrator.

What is the difference between local server and remote server?

A local server is located in the same machine as the one who made the request. A remote server is another machine that can receive and respond to exterior requests. @JayJunior it's whenever you actually do that based on the project you are working on.

Can I make a website with FileMaker?

For those unfamiliar with website creation/design, FileMaker offers the option to host your FileMaker database via Instant Web Publishing. Instant Web Publishing automatically generates web pages from your existing layouts resulting in a "hands free" web publishing experience.

Is FileMaker Pro web based?

FileMaker WebDirect runs in a web browser and uses these standard web technologies: HTML5 to define the structure of the page. CSS3 to control the appearance of the page.

What is FileMaker cloud?

Claris FileMaker Cloud is your total toolset to create and share apps in the cloud with your teams, and integrate them with other popular apps and web services. It's part of the Claris Platform that brings powerful technology to everyone, helping problem solvers tackle real-world business challenges.

Is FileMaker outdated?

All sales of FileMaker Cloud for AWS on AWS Marketplace will cease on January 4, 2021. Additionally, existing customers will not be able to add new users to their subscription after this date. Support for all FileMaker Cloud for AWS versions will end on January 1, 2022.

Is FileMaker discontinued?

FileMaker Advanced has been discontinued, and with it, the ability to create standalone (runtime) solutions. There is now no way to distribute a FileMaker database on Mac or PC without either having the user own a copy of FileMaker or by using a complex and expensive cloud solution.

Does Apple still own FileMaker?

FileMaker is a cross-platform relational database application from Claris International, a subsidiary of Apple Inc.

What is remote server?

A remote access server (RAS) is a type of server that provides a suite of services to remotely connected users over a network or the Internet. It operates as a remote gateway or central server that connects remote users with an organization's internal local area network (LAN).

How does a remote server work?

A Remote Desktop server allows users to work from any location – at home, on the road, or in the office. A network connection is not required. There is no additional hardware needed to link the remote user to the server. All that is needed is access to the Internet and a web browser.

How can I access a server from outside the network?

Use a VPN. If you connect to your local area network by using a virtual private network (VPN), you don't have to open your PC to the public internet. Instead, when you connect to the VPN, your RD client acts like it's part of the same network and be able to access your PC.

How do I connect to a Remote Desktop server?

On your local Windows PC: In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection. In Remote Desktop Connection, type the name of the PC you want to connect to (from Step 1), and then select Connect.

What is the second IP address of FileMaker?

The second address is the LAN address of your server (the FileMaker host computer). This IP addresses is usually something like: 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x.

What port is used for FileMaker Pro?

Next enter the port number and/or port range. For FileMaker Pro clients use 5003. Additionally open port range 16000-16002 for FileMaker Administration access. This range is very useful for remotely administering the database server and should be open whenever possible.

How to access router configuration page?

To access the routers configuration page enter the Router address (Default Gateway) into a web browser address bar. This should prompt you for a username and password to log in.

What is the first IP address?

The first IP address is the WAN address . This is how your router is called from the outside, and is usually assigned by your Internet Service Provider, cable or telephone company. You can obtain your WAN address from many online network tools such as http://www.yougetsignal.com or by Google search for: 'whats my ip'

Can FileMaker use both TCP and UDP?

Next is the Protocol, which can be either TCP, UDP or Both. For FileMaker we recommend both. If you don't have a both option then create two open ports for both TCP and UDP.

What port does FileMaker use?

Here, all that is required is that your FileMaker Server have a static IP on your LAN (likely already done), and whoever manages your router/firewall then needs to open port 5003 and point traffic to the server. We can also help with this if needed.

Why is FileMaker so difficult to use?

For one thing, there is almost always a noticeable lag between the actions of your mouse or keyboard, and what you see on screen. The other reason it is not as efficient is simply because you are effectively working on a computer that is not yours. If you’ve ever tried to get work done on someone else’s computer, you will understand. It may not have the same customizations and shortcuts that you prefer. It might not even be the same operating system. And it won’t have the custom plug-ins and apps that we use to make our development time more efficient. Because of these reasons, everything takes more time… often much more.

How to open a hole in a firewall?

There are a few steps that need to be followed for this method. Purchase and install an SSL certificate on the FileMaker server. Open port 5003 on your firewall. A certificate for your FileMaker Server can be purchased from LuminFire.

How to add a custom certificate to FileMaker?

For a custom certificate, your DNS administrator will need to add <fms.website>.com as an A record to your public DNS and point it to the public static IP of your FileMaker server. For local traffic, you’ll want a local DNS entry pointing at the internal IP as well. That way, your users will get the green lock icon in FileMaker and won’t see warnings about the server not being secure.

How many options are there for remote access?

There are three main options for providing remote access, each with various benefits and trade-offs.

Does FileMaker require SSL?

If your FileMaker server is secured by only being accessible on your local network or via VPN, installing an SSL certificate is not necessarily a security requirement. Just know that FileMaker will still warn you that that your connection to the host is not secure, and users will not see the green lock icon.

Where is port 16001?

Port 16001 is only available on the local host machine and not from a remote machine. To go directly to the Admin Console Start Page from a remote machine (FileMaker Server 16 and earlier) Open a web browser and enter: https:// [host]:16000. where [host] is the IP address or domain name of an external master machine in your FileMaker Server ...

Where is the log viewer saved?

Usually, the file is automatically saved in your browser’s download folder; however, your browser may let you select a location.

Is port 16001 available on a remote machine?

Port 16001 only available on the local host machine and not from a remote machine.

How to install FileMaker Server?

Install the FileMaker Server software first on the master machine and then on the worker machines. Then use the Deployment assistant on the worker machine to configure the SSL certificate and to connect to a master machine.

Where is FileMaker Server Help?

FileMaker Server Help is available on each page of Admin Console. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Help.

What is the admin console in FileMaker?

FileMaker Server Admin Console is a web-based application that lets you configure and administer FileMaker Server. You can use Admin Console on machines that have network access to FileMaker Server and a supported web browser.

How to get FMS on desktop?

Windows: Double-click the FMS Admin Console shortcut on the desktop. Windows versions with the Start menu: Click Start menu > All apps or All Programs > FileMaker Server > FMS Admin Console. Windows versions with the Start screen: Go to the Start screen and click FMS Admin Console.

How to upload files to FileMaker Pro?

In FileMaker Pro Advanced, use File menu > Sharing > Upload to Host to transfer FileMaker Pro Advanced databases from your computer’s file system to FileMaker Server if both computers are on the same network. FileMaker Pro Advanced uploads databases along with any externally stored container field objects. FileMaker Server copies the databases to the specified database folder and sets file permissions and privileges so that you can access the databases after they are uploaded.

Why make a note of your existing FileMaker server settings?

Make a note of your existing FileMaker Server settings because you will have to reenter your settings manually later. Some examples are:

How to see connection statistics in FileMaker?

To see a summary of connection and database statistics for FileMaker Server, open the server statistics log (Stats.log) and client statistics log (ClientStats.log). These statistics can help you diagnose performance problems and identify client access issues. You can view:

What to do if you can't login to FileMaker?

When you are unable to login successfully, you should verify the account you are trying to use is valid. You should try and login to the FileMaker Server machine with the same account to see if that works. If you are successful in logging into FileMaker Server, then external authentication should also work and you should concentrate your troubleshooting efforts on the external accounts in your FileMaker files. You should verify the following:

How to enable external authentication in FileMaker?

You have a choice between using "FileMaker accounts only" or "FileMaker and external server accounts." If you want to enable external authentication, you will need to verify that the "FileMaker and external server accounts" option is enabled. This option allows the access privileges of those trying to access files hosted using FileMaker Server to be determined by the accounts defined in the hosted databases AND by accounts that are defined on the master machine OR on an authentication server.

What to do if FileMaker fails?

If the login fails, you should check if the machine that is running FileMaker Server is correctly setup as a member of the domain (if you are using domain accounts.) On Mac OS, this is typically done using Directory Utility. On the Windows platform, this is typically done on the Computer Name tab where you view the properties of your computer.

What does it mean when FileMaker Server is communicating with external accounts?

In simple terms, when a user attempts to access a shared file hosted by FileMaker Server and that file is configured with external accounts, FileMaker Server will "communicate" with the authentication machine to determine if the credentials of the user are valid. If the credentials of the user are valid, the authentication machine returns a list of groups that the user belongs to. FileMaker Server takes this list and evaluates it against the list of external accounts setup in the FileMaker Pro file and if there is a match then the user is allowed access to the FileMaker file.

What is extended privilege in FileMaker?

As with an account authorized by FileMaker, it is the permissions defined in the privilege set that determine what you can and cannot do within a file. All accounts that are set to be externally authenticated must have the FileMaker Network (fmapp) extended privilege enabled.

Does FileMaker Pro authenticate against authentication?

Database files shared by FileMaker Pro will not authenticate against an authentication server. A FileMaker client which can include FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, Instant Web Publishing, FileMaker WebDirect or Custom Web Publishing clients. If accounts are not maintained on the FileMaker Server machine, then a Domain Controller is also required.

Is a group name required for Open Directory?

Note that the Account Name has changed to Group Name. All that is required is a group name that matches the existing group name on the computer that will do the authenticating. When entering in a group name keep in mind that group names are case sensitive and if you are using Open Directory be sure to use the short name format for the group name. Finally, it is worth noting that no passwords are required.

Better Late Than Never?

With so many organizations moving their servers to the cloud and their work offsite, especially during the last few months, we're starting to see one of Claris FileMaker's weakest flanks. That is its performance in high latency environments. One of the truly great things about the FileMaker Platform is its fundamental dynamic nature.

Persistence Matters

The Persistent Caching feature was folded into the FileMaker Platform a few versions ago and can speed up our remote connections if properly leveraged. FileMaker has always created local copies of all the apps we connect to during a given session. A session is defined as the period we have the FileMaker desktop application running.

Sort It Out

To maximize this system, we can take it one step further, but we need to understand something else about FileMaker, and that is that the client, not the server, typically handle sorts.