How do I set up Back to my Mac

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How do I set up Back to my Mac

Okay, I've spent way more hours than I'd like to admit trying to properly set up my network. Here's what I'm trying to do. I've got a U-Verse Residential Gateway (3801HGV), a 4th Generation Airport Extreme (MC340LL/A), and a 3rd Generation Apple TV. I just got a new Macbook Air and I'd like to be able to remotely access the external hard drives I've connected to the AE. I have the ethernet properly connected but what I have struggled with is the right combination of settings in Airport Uitilty. The problem is that I would like to be able to use AirPlay via the Apple TV but I am only able to get that to work if I bridge the Airport to the RG. However, Back to my Mac only works if I'm set up with the DHCP-NAT router mode and then AirPlay won't work. I've tried opening the proper ports for Airplay but still can't see it. I've tried static IPs, DHCP reservations, etc but honestly don't truly understand what that all means. Can someone please help a networking noob? Thank you!

Airport Extreme-OTHER, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jul 25, 2013 8:53 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 25, 2013 9:09 PM in response to msbakes

You need to go to the Gateway Settings on the RG and set the port the AirPort Extreem is on to DMZPlus. That will open it up to allow back to my mac to work and AirPlay will also work. Then have all your non Uverse devices connect to the network through the Airport. I have mine set up this way and it works well. I have also turned off the WiFi on the RG.

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Answer 2

Jul 25, 2013 9:08 PM in response to msbakes

What does the topology physically look like? What's connected to what (Wired, Wireless, etc). I have basically the same setup and all is working fine - so this can work!

I have the wireless in the Gateway disabled and the AirPort bridged.

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Answer 3

msbakes Author

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Jul 25, 2013 9:12 PM in response to Ben Rigsby

Ben, I've tried that but did not have success.

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Answer 4

msbakes Author

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Jul 25, 2013 9:16 PM in response to Chris Grande

Chris,

I have a LAN port in the RG connected to WAN port in the AE. All other ethernet devices (including ATV) are plugged into the other LAN ports in the RG. I also disable the wireless in the RG. Is that what you're asking?

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Answer 5

Jul 25, 2013 9:18 PM in response to msbakes

Is the AirPort connected to the RG with ethernet? Make sure the Internet on the Airport is set to Connect Using DHCP and Network is set to DHCP and NAT.

All the Apple Devices need to connect to the AirPort supplied network not the RG.

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Answer 6

Jul 25, 2013 9:20 PM in response to msbakes

"All other ethernet devices (including ATV) are plugged into the other LAN ports in the RG." This is why it is not working Move them to the AirPort and it should work.

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Answer 7

Jul 25, 2013 9:30 PM in response to Ben Rigsby

This will get the Apple TV working but Back to my Mac might complain due to the double NATing that will occur.

Rereading your post are you trying to access the USB drive you connected to the AirPort just within your network - or remotely?

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Answer 8

msbakes Author

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Jul 25, 2013 9:33 PM in response to Chris Grande

Looking to access it both within network and remotely (storing everything on external HDs). I just set it up Ben's way and for the first time have Apple TV working with DHCP and NAT but yes, like you said, I am getting the double NAT error. What's the best way to fix that?

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Answer 9

Jul 25, 2013 9:43 PM in response to Chris Grande

I have mine set this way and rebooting both the RG and then the AirPort fix the double NAT warning. Also make sure to put in your Apple ID info on the AirPort to connect to disc remotely.

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Answer 10

msbakes Author

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Jul 25, 2013 10:06 PM in response to Ben Rigsby

Yall rock. Just tested Back to my Mac with my phone's hotspot and it worked! and so does airplay! Much Much appreciated!!

For double NAT the reset didn't work at first and I had to unplug all the connections but eventually got it back. I also checked "Enable detection of router-behind-router conditions" in the RG. Not sure if that did anything but I'm not seeing any AE warnings anymore.

Thanks again!

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Answer 11

Jul 25, 2013 10:11 PM in response to msbakes

Awesome! Glad it is working now.

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Answer 12

Jul 25, 2013 10:25 PM in response to msbakes

Great the hear!

The best way to check if all is well is if the IP of the AE is the same as your external IP (http://www.whatismyip.com), which it should be if it's in the DMZplus on the RG.

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Answer 13

msbakes Author

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Jul 25, 2013 10:28 PM in response to Chris Grande

thanks. It is the same but does it matter if it's a public IP vs the 192.158.etc? the IP it's using starts with a 99

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Answer 14

Jul 25, 2013 10:34 PM in response to msbakes

If the AE is in the DMZ and configured to offer DHCP & NAT there won't be any double NAT since it will be going directly out.

The 192. would be an address given out by the RG and would mean it would be double NATd.

Public -> 99.XXX.XXX.XXX

AE -> 99.XXX.XXX.XXX

All Devices -> 10.0.XXX.XXX

Then the only devices with 192. addresses would be the RG itself and other Uverse boxes (DVR, etc).

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Answer 15

msbakes Author

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Jul 26, 2013 8:19 AM in response to Chris Grande

okay, one more question. So I'm testing out the remote access today from the office and am a little disappointed in the performance. I know a lot it is dependent on environment, hardware, etc but I have 20 Mbps at home and am connected directly to network at the office and when trying to remotely play music from the external hard drive at home it skips continuously. The hard drive is a 3.0 WD Passport. I would think it would have better performance. Any thoughts on how to improve it?

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