Use existing VB frontend to connect to DB from Net

[IoMatua]

Hi all.

I have an Access DB with a VB frontend that we use on a LAN (consisting of 5 computers in a workgroup setting - no server).

We now want to be able to access the DB via the Internet when we're away from the office. Preferably we'd like to keep our existing frontend, but can modify it if need be.

What options are available for us to achieve this functionality? Can we achieve this in our current LAN setting, or do we need at least one server?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mrdenny]

You will want to setup a VPN server so that remote users can securaly access the network.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[comaboy]

*You are running a server. I think you mean not a domain server. Your "database machine" is a server.

You could use Port-Forwarding on your Firewall to your server. (The port is dependant upon the connection-type). Then change your ADO* connection string to open your public address. Ensure you have strong passwords!

However, a VPN as Denny suggests would be more secure (but more complicated to set up).

Just another option!

*I presume you are using ADO

 

[jmille34]

I've never tried using an access db directly over the internet, but I suspect it is very slow. I've done access front end on a ms sql database, and that was already pretty slow. Access + vpn + windows networking, etc will add up to be really slow.

You might be better off doing something like setting up a terminal server to allow remote logins so that you only send screen updates over the net. Terminal server is really expensive though. You could probably set up a winxp machine with remote desktop sharing enabled, and log in to that remotely. That's a single-user solution, though. If all 5 of you wanted remote access, you'd have to take turns. A sorta middle ground would be to vpn into the building and each of you remote desktop into your own machine.

 

[IoMatua]

I think for the short-term, we'll try and set up VPN and see how that goes for us. jmille34's suggestion of each person logging in to their own workstation seems like a good starting point.

Anyway, thanks again for all the help.

 

[zemp]

IoMatua, You will probably find better answers to VB .NET questions in the VB .Net forum. Take a look at forum796.

zemp

 

[HarleyQuinn]

zemp - I'm probably missing something but where is the reference to .NET?

Cheers

HarleyQuinn
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[jmille34]

Not ".Net", "the net

 

[zemp]

I may have misunderstood the thread title. Sorry.

zemp

 

[HarleyQuinn]

zemp - Thanks for clearing that up, I had a nasty feeling that I was missing something glaringly obvious in the OP

HarleyQuinn
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Get the most out of Tek-Tips, read FAQ222-2244 before posting.