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Source-Connect operates as a peer-to-peer type application over the UDP protocol, and this can cause connectivity problems when attempting to establish a two-way data connection in an unconfigured network. Factors such as firewalls and multi-layer subnets will generally make it difficult to walk into a venue and be confident of establishing a two-way Source-Connect session. Additionally, certain environments have strict security policies, so allowing firewall and network configurations are not possible.
As a solution, Source-Connect Pro can operate in VPN mode. This solves 2 problems: connectivity confidence, and security and privacy.
VPN connections operate over the TCP protocol and can function even within strict networks and proxy servers because it is possible to tunnel over HTTP. If a suitable VPN solution is implemented, all the end-user requires is a software client that they need to run when they wish to connect. Access can be strictly managed with unique, time- critical passwords. Cisco, for example, has such a VPN solution available where the client software is freely distributable and operates transparently under both Mac OSX and Windows XP platforms. Or, solutions utilising IPSEC may be suitable, which can be activated with built-in Mac OSX software for example.
Where security and privacy are concerns, the best solution is one where you have complete control over the security methods. When Source-Connect Pro is in VPN mode it is configured to disallow connections to external IP addresses, so you can be confident that your network is secure.
When launching Source-Connect, instead of logging in with your username and password, press the 'VPN mode' button on the left of the login panel. Source-Con- nect will now open in VPN mode.
When VPN mode is activated, your own private IP address is available under the 'this address' menu. To connect to a user on your private network, simply enter their IP address and port in the 'connect to' section. Once you know a user's address and port, you can save and name this as a setting with the standard Pro Tools plug-in settings. When your settings are correctly entered, simply connect as you would in Source-Connect. The remote user will be asked if they wish to connect. Upon accepting the request your session now begins.
1. Ensure your VPN network is running. Generally, you can check that your VPN is active by opening a terminal window or DOS window and running a 'ping' to the computer you wish to connect to. If you can't ping that computer, you won't be able to connect via Source-Connect VPN.
2. Launch Pro Tools, and instantiate Source-Connect Pro on a auxillary track. Select 'VPN Mode', and if you are on an active Internet Connect it will be ready to make and accept a connection. If VPN mode cannot find a valid private IP address you will receive a dialog informing you of this. Please quit Pro Tools and check your Internet Connection if this occurs.
3. Once instantiated and ready to connect, you will see your IP address listed in the 'this address' menu. If you have more than one select the IP address that corresponds to the network interface you to use. At least one side of the connection needs to communicate their IP address to the other side. You should also let them know what port you are using (if it is not the default 6000).
4. To connect to another user, simply type in their IP address in the 'connect to' section. Note that this can only be a private IP address. This is to ensure complete security on your part, so you are confident knowing VPN mode will never send traffic to an unauthorized network.
5. If you are on a complex network, for example you are on different subnets, you may need to administer your common router so it knows to connect you. For information on managing your network, contact your IT personel or get in touch with us at support.
6. When you are ready to connect press the 'CONNECT' button in the Status panel. If the network is properly configured, you will be immediately connected and your session will run like a normal Source-Connect session.
For technical support, you are welcome contact us. Please note, however, that when working with private networks we are unable to offer assistance directly on Source- Connect without being given access credentials to your VPN.
Source-Connect Pro now supports the free Hamachi VPN application. This allows you to make a secure connection over most firewalled networks without requiring any previous setup. A full guide on using Hamachi is available here:
