Setting up WAN connections

If you want to connect to other users over the internet, you have to open a WAN connection to each. This requires that all users have a working internet connection and a public IP address.

About This Task

WAN connections are set up in the Shared Projects dialog in the following way:

1. Make sure the “Active” item on the Network menu is checked.

   This initiates network communication with the other participants.

2. Open the Shared Projects dialog from the Network menu.
3. Click the “Add WAN Connection” button on the toolbar.

   A dialog opens, requesting the Domain Name or the IP address of the computer you want to connect to.

   

   Figure: The “Add WAN Connection” button

4. Type in the IP address/Domain Name of the computer you want to connect to and click OK.

   An item called “Global IP Network” now appears in the dialog. This lists either the IP address of the computer to which you have connected, or the domain name of its internet service provider.

   

5. Repeat this procedure for every user you want to connect to over the internet.
   Note

   If a computer is dynamically allocated an IP address by its internet service provider – as opposed to having a permanent IP address – you will have to repeat the above procedure each time the computer receives a new IP address!

   • You can remove a WAN connection by selecting it and clicking the “Remove WAN Connection” button.

     

     Figure: The “Remove WAN Connection” button

   • You can remove the entire “Global IP Network” item by selecting it and pressing Delete or Backspace.

     This will also remove any existing WAN connections.

   Should you be unable to establish a WAN connection, first verify that you entered the IP address correctly. Connection problems may also occur for the following reasons:

   • Your computer and/or the computer you’re trying to connect to is protected by a firewall.

   • Your computer and/or the computer you’re trying to connect to does not have the necessary ports open.