Articles > FileMaker Pro
By Kevin Hammond, Database Development Services, Inc
Posted on March 22, 2008
Networking a FileMaker database is very easy to do, but if done improperly can lead to a damaged file, losing valuable records or even the entire application.
Networking FileMaker Database Options
- FileMaker Server
- P2P Networking
- Windows File Sharing (NOT RECOMMENDED)
FileMaker Server
This is the way to network FileMaker databases. You can always be assured that the databases will be available to connect to and is scalable up to 250 users. The biggest advantages of FileMaker server is automated backups. Proper backup schedules setup in the FileMaker Server console which is VERY easy to use will automate your backups based on a schedule and location. Then you can backup your backups online.
Make sure to have port 5003 open for UDP and TCP on the server
P2P (Peer to Peer) Networking
P2P Networking has evolved over time, today in FileMaker Pro 9 you can network via peer to peer (P2P) for up to 9 simultaneous users. The advantages are you can get a database shared on your local network very fast. Each user only requires to have FileMaker Pro installed and boom, your sharing your application and records. The disadvantages are no automatated backups, computer crashes more prone and file corruption, and anytime you want to connect to the database the host must have FileMaker Pro open and the database you wish to connect open as well.
Make sure to have port 5003 open for UDP and TCP on host computer
Windows File Sharing
Don't do it. Why you ask? Only one person at a time can access the database. The is not the way FileMaker networking was designed. FileMaker networking uses port 5003 and does not rely on the traditional way of Windows and File Sharing. Don't share the folder your FileMaker databases reside and don't connect to the database on a shared folder. Your limiting yourself and the power of FileMaker database sharing.
Setup FileMaker Remote Connections
A simple and free way to allow remote connections to your FileMaker database is setting up an account with DynDNS. Setup an account with DynDNS and select an domain name to use. Here is a list of DynDNS domains currently available. For small businesses this is a great solution with minimal cost.
Install the DynDNS Updater on the FileMaker Server or the host computer of your FileMaker databases your sharing. Properly configured, anytime your IP changes your IP will automatically update with DynDNS. Your remote users only need to save the DynDNS domain name you have setup in their favorites hosts in FileMaker Pro and they will be able to connect to your FileMaker databases.
You will need to give your server or host machine a static IP on your network and configure your router to port forward port 5003 to your computer sharing the FileMaker databases.
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