How to VNC to a Private Network
For security reasons, most commercial routers will deny incoming VNC connections by default. This protects users in a lot of ways, but creates a hassle for those who want to connect to their own computer, on their private network, using VNC. The good news is that configuring your router to allow VNC connections into your private network is a relatively simple task. Although each router's nomenclature may be different, they almost always have the same features.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Launch your Web browser from the computer that is running the VNC server on your private network. Enter the address "192.168.0.1" to go to your router's Web-based configuration page. This address may be different on some home routers, but it is the standard for most. Check your user manual or ask your Internet service provider if your router is set up differently.
-
2
Log in to your router using your administrator account. If you do not have an administrator account, you can try using one of the default passwords for your brand of router (see Resources). Your Internet service provider may have set up a different password when configuring your network as well.
-
-
3
Navigate to your firewall or NAT settings page. Some routers have both while others loop them all into one category. If there are both options, select the one labeled NAT above the firewall option. Scroll down or click to reach the port forwarding section of your router's settings. On some routers this may be called exceptions or rules.
-
4
Click to add an exception, port forward, or rule, depending on your router manufacturer's choice of words. Enter details to allow incoming connections to the computer running the VNC server, on both TCP and UDP, on port 5900 for both remote and local ports. This will send all incoming VNC connection queries to your VNC server.
-
5
Save the port forward rule and log out of your router's settings page for security. Navigate to a Web-based utility like GoToMyVNC to confirm that your VNC server is being forwarded VNC connection queries.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are unable to access your router you can try running an SSH server and using port forwarding to circumvent restrictive router settings (see Resources).
