How Do I connect to Home VPN with IPAD

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How Do I connect to Home VPN with IPAD

Hello All,

I have setup my home server on Mac Mini with OS X Server App. I have it configured on my Ipad and the Ipad shows that it is connected. NOW WHAT??? haha. I float around my ipad screen and I can't get to my home server. Ive downloaded a couple of vpn apps but they seem to want to connect me with the company that produced the app. I just want to connect to my home server and access music and such via vpn. I dont know what my next step is.

Thanks in advance,

Mac mini, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Apr 10, 2014 1:01 PM

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Answer 1

robdrage

Level 4

2,830 points

Apr 10, 2014 1:10 PM in response to Benefield74

The vpn software you want is default inside of the settings app on your ipad,

A few things to know:

To connect via VPN to "another network" your device can not be on the same network, i.e., both connected to your home network. (VPN is designed to connect devices on different networks)

Second: once connected to the network you still need some sort of utility app that would view your file share, this is not a function on an ipad, in fact the ipad does not understand file systems.

There are several third party apps in the app store that offer different types of this and you would need to browse them to find the appropriate one for your setting.

Third, What do you plan to do once you see the shares? you cannot select a video and play iot without either yet another software, you can't open a document without yet another application,

Perhaps if you state your end goal, someone can assit you with a better method of achieving it.

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Answer 2

Benefield74 Author

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Apr 10, 2014 1:41 PM in response to robdrage

I see! So here's my only goal!! MY ONLY GOAL! I've went out and bought a Mac mini, AirPort Extreme, server app. I have purchased a domain name and registered it. I want to be able to access my home media(music, video, pictures) remotely from a web browser(at work) and from ipad(traveling). When I type in my www.domainname.com I get only 'welcome to os server". I can then select Profile Manager, Password Settings.. Etc.. But I cannot find server content.

So I thought Vpn was my avenue.

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Answer 3

robdrage

Level 4

2,830 points

Apr 10, 2014 1:49 PM in response to Benefield74

Hmmm...

I am definitly not an expert on this topic but I'll give you my thoughts and hopefully others will as well.

By using Home Sharing on itunes on your mini, Connecting both to your Applee ID (same), this would allow to share the video and audio content to your ipad while on the home network, then by leveraging the VPn when away from the home network, (set-up VPN in Server & connect with Settings> VPN on IPad) http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3819 Then get the same functionality while away.

Now connecting through the web browser is not in my knowledge but I believe you would have to host the website and have within it different modules to support the sharing of content but hosted by your server app.

I hope this helps some, Good luck!

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Answer 4

Benefield74 Author

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Apr 10, 2014 2:00 PM in response to robdrage

Thanks.. I understand home sharing and I am good within my network. Remote access is troubling me..

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Answer 5

robdrage

Level 4

2,830 points

Apr 10, 2014 2:03 PM in response to Benefield74

That's where the VPN comes in, when on a different network you start the VPN and then your pad looks and acts as if it is on the home network. That's why it is setup On the server.

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Answer 6

Benefield74 Author

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Apr 10, 2014 3:27 PM in response to robdrage

That's where I get stuck..my iPad is connected to is server via vpn but all I see are ipad native features.. What utility app are u using or can you suggest?

Thanks!

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Answer 7

robdrage

Level 4

2,830 points

Apr 10, 2014 3:39 PM in response to Benefield74

That is all you should see without additional software,

I use Vlc player, Documents by Readdle, Airdisk, FTP, Dropbox, Remote, RemoterVNC, Tango, Print n Share.

For various functions from file system copies to vnc control of desktop and server computers to editing docs. Also apples iWork suite and microsofts new apps with 360 subscription.

You can look at them in the App Store, most (some) have a free version with limited functionality so you can try them.

I also use a wifi router hard drive (sea gate) and air stash (sd card) router enabled device to expand storage options for video when traveling, you can find them through google search or amazon.

Good luck and have fun, the iPad is a great device, and I think you'll enjoy it as you learn more about it.

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