This brief guide is intended to help first time users of Timbuktu Pro quickly set up and establish a TCP/IP connection between two PC's using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is by no means a definitive guide. There are alternate ways of establishing a Timbuktu Pro TCP/IP connection. This guide only presents one of them.

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) use advanced encryption and tunneling to permit organizations to establish secure, end-to-end, private network connections over third-party networks, such as the Internet or extranets.

When someone inside sends a packet out, it is wrapped in a "blanket" of sorts with the IP address of the router and sends it out to the receiving client. The client sends a packet back with it's own "blanket" telling it to go to that router's IP address. Then, the VPN router unwraps it and sends it on its way to the initial computer. All that needs to be done is set up the client side's VPN software to know that if the 192.168.x.x address is used, it is supposed to go to the router's IP address. This way you will always be able to connect to any machine in a VPN using the 192.168.x.x addressing scheme.

How do I use Timbuktu Pro through the VPN

1. Before attempting to establish a connection, please review our How to setup a TCP/IP connection for Timbuktu Pro 2000 document for setting up Timbuktu Pro security and preferences on the host (system going to be controlled).
2. Make a connection to the Internet, and obtain an IP address.
3. Once connected, make the VPN connection to obtain a network IP address.

   **Note: For information on how to make the VPN connection, please consult your network administrator.

4. Exit and shut down Timbuktu Pro and then relaunch.

   **Note: If you do not want to have to continuously exit and shut down Timbuktu Pro, you can chose to have Timbuktu Pro not start as a service (at startup). To do this, go to Setup/Preferences/General, and deselect the "Start Timbuktu Pro as a service" button.

5. "My Address:" should now be updated with the lastest IP address.

   

6. When the guest (system doing the controlling) is ready to connect to the host machine, select the TCP/IP tab.
7. From within the TCP/IP section, enter in the IP address or email address in the TCP/IP address field.
8. From the menu bar, select a service (such as Send, Exchange, Control, or Look) with which you wish to open a session with the host PC.

   

9. A login prompt will appear once Timbuktu Pro has connected to the host.
10. Within the login box, either enter in the username and password that you set up for yourself within the Registered User Security window or chose Ask for Permission.
11. Once you have been authenticated, a window will open up for the service that you selected