Time Capsule Blocking External Windows File Share?

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Level 1

8 points

Time Capsule Blocking External Windows File Share?

I'm having issues connecting to a Windows file share outside of my home network that uses a Time Capsule. Internally I can connect to file shares just fine, it's just when I try to connect to an outside server with \\[ip address]\myshare that it times out with a "network path cannot be found" error.

If I try to connect to this same share OUTSIDE of my home network, it works fine. So something is blocking this. I've turned off my firewall as well, so that's not the issue. Everything I've done seems to show that it is the Time Capsule, but for the life of me I can't figure out why just the 139/445 ports would not be let through.

Posted on Feb 25, 2014 12:03 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 25, 2014 12:21 PM in response to rdlauer

If I try to connect to this same share OUTSIDE of my home network, it works fine.

Most responsible ISP block SMB sharing over the internet. Ask your ISP as it might not be the TC at all.. it can be that your ISP is doing the right thing.. the ISP on the other end is actually irresponsible.

The reason is simple.. so many windows users have unprotected shares if the ports were actually opened the internet would be awash in hacked systems.

The TC itself could block SMB sharing over internet.. if it does I congratulate Apple (for a change). It should never be opened.

If you really want to test this.. simply bypass the TC.. plug your computer directly into the router or modem and see if you can then connect.. if you can.. remember everyone else can and most password exchanges in SMB sharing are weak.. so get ready to be hacked. Be Afraid.. very very Afraid.

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Answer 2

rdlauer Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 25, 2014 12:27 PM in response to LaPastenague

There is still a firewall on the remote server that restricts access by IP, so I'm not as worried about that. And yes, if I remove the TC from the equation everything works fine, which is why I'm confused as to how/why the TC would be blocking these ports.

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Answer 3

Feb 25, 2014 12:37 PM in response to rdlauer

The TC is an SMB server.. it has reserved the ports for its own use.

You need to use a different router and bridge the TC and use it just for local network.

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Answer 4

rdlauer Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 25, 2014 1:21 PM in response to LaPastenague

But if I disable file sharing on the TC (which I did) I would think it would relenquish control over those ports?

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Answer 5

Feb 25, 2014 2:21 PM in response to rdlauer

Yes, that does seem to be the case.. try port forwarding then to see if it is something else going wrong..

Although forwarding should not be necessary when you are source and not the destination.

A TC with the file sharing turned off seems like it is rather handicapped,, why have a TC without it being a TC... another router a lot easier to use.

Port scan with file sharing on.

Port scan with file sharing off.

My only other suggestion would be to downgrade the firmware.. and that is only viable on Gen1-4 TC..

If you run 7.6.4 it is a lousy firmware. Go back to 7.6.1 and have a try.

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