Using Windows Remote Desktop

Steve Q · #1 November 11th, 2009, 06:54 PM

I have a new Netbook computer (Acer Aspire 1) which I am now using as an additional controller for Homeseer. It works very well and I am especially impressed with how well Windows Remote Desktop runs. I use Remote Desktop primarily to create/modify iTunes playlists and to work with my Excel spreadsheets created by Homeseer. Next week I have a meeting scheduled and I would like to use Remote Desktop to demo my home automation setup. But I can't get Remote Desktop to work outside of my home network!! I have followed numerous setup procedures available on many different websites but I have not been successful. I think it must be a firewall issue but even with the firewall off, I can't get it to work. Unfortunately, the only place I can use WIFI to test this is a bookstore which is 15 miles away. My iTouch/Homeseer controller works fine from this WIFI location.

Is there someone who is successfully using Remote Desktop to access your Homeseer computer from the internet?

Steve Q

simonog · #2 November 11th, 2009, 07:31 PM

I have used remote desktop for over 10 years (yes, I am that old) to access my HS machine.

It has worked absolutely fine all the time unless there is a firewall issue.

you need tcp port 3389 to be open both on the remote network you are logged on to, and on your home network.

the problem is most likely on your home network if you have a broadband router with NAT (translation of addresses from your internet address to your home network). On that box you have to enter parameters which say any messages which arrive for port 3389 get sent to the IP address your Homeseer box has.

Just occasionally you find that a remote network has a firewall which only allows certain protocols out through it. they almost always allow web page browsing (port 80) but just occasionally block others.

Simon

Rupp · #3 November 11th, 2009, 07:36 PM

As Simon says, the port needs to be forwarded in your router to your HS Server and it works without fail. If you need me to test your connection let me know and I'll try your setup.

jasv · #4 November 11th, 2009, 08:51 PM

I also RDP to my HS machine as well as other machines (by changing the tcp port in my firewall). I also agree that it is your router's setup for port forwarding that needs to be looked at.

Pete · #5 November 11th, 2009, 10:38 PM

What type / model of firewall are you using.

They are all basically the same with just different GUI's.

Steve Q · #6 November 12th, 2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rupp

As Simon says, the port needs to be forwarded in your router to your HS Server and it works without fail. If you need me to test your connection let me know and I'll try your setup.

Rupp, Thanks for the offer to help. I have my router setup to forward port 3389 to my Homeseer computer. There must be some other setting that needs to be changed. I will send you a PM.

Steve Q

Steve Q · #7 November 12th, 2009, 04:23 PM

With Rupp's help, we determined the problem was the firewall in my McAfee security center. Even though Remote Desktop was on the "allow access" list, the IP address of the incoming connection site must also be on the "trusted IP address" list. As an alternative, port 3389 can be opened in the "system services" section of the firewall setup.

Thanks Rupp for the great support!!

Steve Q