Virtual Servers


Overview

This feature is available only if you are using the Internet Sharing Device for shared Internet access, rather than for LAN-to-LAN connection.
The Virtual Servers feature allows Internet users to access standard Servers on your LAN, via the Internet Sharing Device.

Normally, Internet users would not be able to access a server on your LAN because:

The "Virtual Server" feature solves these problems and allows Internet users to connect to your servers. However, your LAN must have an existing connection to the Internet. Internet users cannot open a connection.

Virtual Server operation is illustrated below.

Figure 2: Virtual Servers

IP Address seen by Internet Users

Note that, in this illustration, both Internet users are connecting to the same IP Address, but using different protocols.
To Internet users, all virtual Servers on your LAN have the same IP Address.
This IP Address is the IP Address allocated by ISP on the Internet Account screen, for the port which you are using. This address should be static, rather than dynamic, to make it easier for Internet users to connect to your Servers.

Types of Virtual Servers

The Internet Gateway supports two (2) types of Virtual Servers:

Note that the TOTAL number of Virtual Servers which can be used is 10.

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Standard Virtual Servers Screen

This feature is used to enable standard types of servers on your LAN. Internet users can then access those servers.
The Virtual Servers screen is reached via the Virtual Servers link on the Advanced Menu.
Sample Screen (Click to view)

Operation

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User-defined Virtual Servers

If the type of Server you wish to use is not listed on the Virtual Servers screen, you can define it using this feature.
The screen for this function is reached via the User Defined Virtual Servers option on the Advanced Menu.
Sample Screen (Click to view)

To create a new entry:

Note the limitations on names:

To search for an existing entry:

The search facility is browser-dependent, but functions in most browsers. If your browser provides this facility, it will work in any selection list. Operation is as follows:

To delete an existing entry:

To change the details for an existing entry:

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Virtual Server Details Screen

The screen will appear when you click the Create or Modify buttons on the User Defined Virtual Servers screen.
Sample Screen (Click to view)

Data - Virtual Server Details Screen

Name

The name can not be changed.

Enable

Use this to Enable or Disable support for this Server, as required.

IP Address

The IP Address of the PC on your LAN which is running the Server software.

Protocol

Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) used by the Server.

Internal Port Number

Enter the port number used by the Server to connect to clients.

External Port Number

The port number used by clients when connecting to the Server. This is normally the same as the Internal Port Number.
If it is different, this device will perform a "mapping" or "translation" function, allowing you to configure the server to use one port address, while clients use a different port address

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Connecting to the Virtual Servers

Once configured, anyone on the Internet can connect to your Virtual Servers. For the destination address, they must enter the IP Address shown in the IP Address allocated by ISP on the Internet Account screen for the port you are using. This address should be static (fixed) to make connection easier.
e.g.

http://203.70.212.52


Using this Device as a Virtual Web Server

It is possible to configure the Internet Gateway itself as a Virtual Web Server. Once this is done, you can configure this device through the Internet.
For the remote PC, the destination IP Address is the IP Address allocated by ISP shown on the Internet Account screen, for the port you are using.
Upon connecting to the Internet Gateway, you will be prompted for the device password. You should set a password!

Procedure:

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