how to setup filemaker server for remote access

How to Setup FileMaker Server for Remote Access.

• 1) Getting the Router’s IP address (the WAN address) To obtain the router’s IP address, open a web browser on the FileMaker Server computer and go to ...
• 2) Obtaining the Server Computer’s Local IP Address.
• 3) Port Forwarding Guide online.

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.

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 should I do if I am hosting FileMaker Pro files?

Keep in mind if any of the FileMaker Pro files you are hosting have associated lookups, related files, and/or use external scripts, that they will also need to be opened and shared as well.

How do I host an encrypted database on FileMaker Server?

To host an encrypted database on FileMaker Server for FileMaker clients, you can manually upload the database to FileMaker Server or use the Upload to Host menu command in FileMaker Pro Advanced to transfer the file.

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 turn on FileMaker network sharing?

To enable a file for FileMaker Network sharing:Open the FileMaker Pro file. ... Click Share in the status toolbar, then choose Share with FileMaker Clients. ... In the FileMaker Network Settings dialog box, set Network Sharing to On. ... Select the file(s) to be hosted from the list of Currently open files.More items...

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 host a FileMaker database?

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.

What is FileMaker network sharing?

FileMaker Pro Network Sharing supports the sharing of files with up to 5 concurrent users (not including the host). FileMaker Go clients are included in the limit of 5 users. To support more users and web publishing technologies such as XML, PHP, and FileMaker WebDirect, use FileMaker Server.

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.

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.

What is FileMaker WebDirect?

FileMaker WebDirect, available in FileMaker Cloud and FileMaker Server, is innovative web technology that instantly runs FileMaker apps directly in a web browser - no web programming required.

What is FMPHost?

FMPHost was established and began hosting FileMaker databases in 1999. At that time, FileMaker 5 was newly released and offered the world a simple, but powerful, networked database engine.

What is FileMaker Pro server?

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

Is FileMaker a database?

FileMaker is a relational database application in which an individual may design -- and easily share on the Internet -- a database file by starting with a blank document or implementing ready-made and customizable templates.

What is FileMaker WebDirect?

FileMaker WebDirect, available in FileMaker Cloud and FileMaker Server, is innovative web technology that instantly runs FileMaker apps directly in a web browser - no web programming required.

Is FileMaker Pro similar to access?

FileMaker is a cross-platform RDBMS that includes a GUI frontend. Microsoft Access combines a backend RDBMS (JET / ACE Engine) with a GUI frontend for data manipulation and queries. The Access frontend is often used for accessing other datasources (DBMS, Excel, etc.)

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.

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 enable FileMaker Pro?

Once open, you must configure the network access for the file in the FileMaker Network Settings dialog box. The FileMaker Network Settings dialog box is where you enable, disable, and modify network access to any file that is currently opened in ...

How to enable file sharing in FileMaker Pro?

n order to enable the file sharing capabilities with a FileMaker Pro file you must log into the file with an account name and password whose privilege set allows for the managing of extended privileges. An extended privilege allows for the control of how users of a database file can access and interact with it when it is shared. The [fmapp] extended privilege is the one that controls whether others using FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Go can access a FileMaker Pro file that is shared. Users do not need the ability to manage extended privileges to become a host of a file, but they must have the appropriate access privileges to change the sharing status of a file.

What is the FileMaker Network Settings dialog box?

The FileMaker Network Settings dialog box has a master switch that enables and disables FileMaker networking functionality for the entire application. This dialog is also where you individually configure network access to the files you currently have open in FileMaker Pro. Simply highlight one or more open files from the "Currently Open Files" section and choose the type of network access to grant them.

Why is it important to avoid processing files in FileMaker?

When acting as a host of a FileMaker file in a peer-to-peer network environment, it is recommended that you avoid processor intensive tasks in other applications while clients are connected. The reason for this is that much of the processing of a hosted file is done on the host machine itself and not the client machine. So, if the host machine is busy doing other things while hosting your FileMaker files, the client machines may experience performance issues.

How to send a message to a filemaker?

This functionality is part of the "FileMaker Network Settings" dialog. Simply type a message in the "Send Message" field and click OK. Clients will receive the message in a dialog box on their monitor or iOS device. The clients can dismiss the dialog box by clicking or taping "Cancel", or the dialog will automatically be dismissed after 30 seconds.

Should file sharing be disabled on host computer?

Whenever possible the file (s) that you are hosting should reside locally on the host computer. To prevent others from attempting to directly open a hosted file across the network using the file sharing capabilities of the computer's operating system, it is recommended that file sharing be disabled on the host machine.

Can you share a file but not everyone knows?

You may want to share a file but you do not want everyone know that the file is shared . In this case you can share and hide the file and only tell those that need to access the file that it is available and how to get to it.

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:

How to turn off sharing in FileMaker?

Note: To turn off sharing for a file, choose File menu > Sharing > Share with FileMaker Clients, select the file, then select No users.

What is remote desktop service?

Remote Desktop Services is a component of Microsoft Windows Server that lets you remotely access applications installed on a Windows Server machine from a wide range of machines over most types of network connections. Remote Desktop Services has three components: the server, the client, and the protocol by which the server communicates with the client.

What is RDP in remote desktop?

The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is automatically installed when you install Remote Desktop Services . RDP is the only connection you need to configure in order for clients to connect to the Remote Desktop Services server. You can configure only one RDP connection per network adapter. Benefits of using Remote Desktop Services.

Does FileMaker Pro support ICA?

ICA connections have been tested and are supported with the TCP/IP protocol when FileMaker Pro runs on Citrix XenApp.