Server doesn't appear in Finder over VPN

Question

Level 1

8 points

Server doesn't appear in Finder over VPN

I have recently set up a Mac Mini Server running OS X 10.6.7 which is connected to the internet via an Airport Extreme Base Station. When remotely connecting through VPN (L2TP) the sever does not automatically appear in the Finder as it does when I connect locally. The VPN connects successfully, all of my services (mail, ical, ichat, address book, web, etc.) seem to function properly, but to access my files I have to then use Go>Connect To Server>and type in the server address. Only then does the server appear in the Finder. Any idea what's wrong???

-Thanks

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.7), Server

Posted on May 1, 2011 7:36 PM

Reply

Answer 1

May 2, 2011 5:37 AM in response to Jimbooooooo

For ressources to appear automatically in the finder you normally have to be in the same LAN which is not the case if you connect via VPN. If your Mac Mini is running OS X Server you should be able to configure Wide Area Bonjour which can be activated in your DNS configuration. In addition to that, in you VPN network configuration on the client you should use your server DNS address (an not the one of your ISP). Only your DNS on your server knows about your local services and can broadcast them to your client. It's what I believe the MobileMe service does when you configure it appropriately.

That should be the theory. However, I didn't manage to get this into work anyway. I wonder if anyone has.

- Juergen

Reply

Answer 2

MrHoffman

Level 10

146,443 points

May 2, 2011 10:17 AM in response to Jimbooooooo

Bonjour (mDNS) network traffic does not pass through an IP router by default, meaning you won't get the mDNS routes and announcements.

Since you're running Mac OS X Server, you should have DNS operating on your LAN, so you should be able to connect by DNS name (if you're using your LAN's DNS server in the context of the VPN client) or by IP address.

Reply