Connect To Remote Airports: A Simple Guide To Accessing

Connecting to a remote airport can be done in several ways, depending on the type of device and network setup you have. One common method is to use a Dynamic Global Host Name service, which allows you to access your network by acquiring a DDNS account and a dynamic global host name. Another approach is port mapping, which involves configuring your router to forward ports to the remote airport network. Additionally, setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide a secure connection to your remote airport. However, it's important to note that remote access to certain networks may be restricted by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and some methods may not be compatible with all devices or routers.

Using a Global Domain Name

This method involves using a Dynamic Global Host Name, which is a feature offered by some DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) providers. DDNS allows you to assign a static domain name to a dynamic IP address, which is useful when your IP address changes regularly.

Step 1: Choose a DDNS Provider

One option for a DDNS provider is DynDNS. However, note that DynDNS no longer supports AirPort base stations running firmware 7.6.1+ or AirPort Utility 6.1+. If you wish to use DynDNS, you have two options:

• Use a DynDNS client on a computer within your local network to provide updates.
• Replace your AirPort base station with a product from another manufacturer that has native DDNS support.

Alternatively, you can use a different DDNS service provider, such as Dynu. The setup instructions will be similar regardless of the provider you choose.

Step 2: Acquire a DDNS Account and Dynamic Global Host Name

Sign up for an account with your chosen DDNS provider. This will typically involve creating a username and password.

Step 3: Configure Your AirPort Utility

• Run the AirPort Utility on your computer.
• Navigate to the Base Station tab and click Edit next to the AirPort Express Name field.
• Check the box for "Use dynamic global hostname."
• Enter your hostname, for example, "dyndns.com".
• Input your DDNS user account name and password.
• Navigate to the Disks tab and enable both "Enable file sharing" and "Share disks over WAN".

Step 4: Access the AirPort Disk

• On your computer, open Finder and select "Go" > "Connect to Server".
• Enter the domain name of your base station, followed by a colon and the Public port number. For example: "afp://www.mydyndnsdomain.com:8888".
• Enter your username and password when prompted. Your username can be anything you choose, while the password should be the disk password for your base station.

For iOS/iPadOS devices, you will need to use a third-party app, such as FileBrowser, to access the AirPort Disk.

Using Port Mapping

Port mapping is one of the methods to access a shared AirPort Disk remotely from a Mac or iOS/iPadOS device. This method assumes that your 802.11n or 802.11ac AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS) or Time Capsule (TC) is connected directly to a broadband Internet modem, or a combination modem/router or gateway device.

To set up port mapping, first, verify that your device is in bridge mode. If your device provides NAT & DHCP services, disable them. If your AEBS or TC is downstream of another router or gateway device, configure that device for port mapping/forwarding to the AEBS or TC.

Next, use CheckIP (or an equivalent tool) to determine your router's current Public (WAN-side) IP address.

Now, follow these steps in the AirPort Utility:

• Start the AirPort Utility and select your AEBS or TC.
• Select 'Edit'.
• Go to the Disks tab and verify that "Enable file sharing" and "Share disks over WAN" are checked.
• Verify that Router Mode = DHCP and NAT.
• Click the plus sign below the Port Settings window to add a new port mapping.
• For Description, select "Personal File Sharing".
• In the Public TCP Ports box, enter a 4-digit port number (e.g., 8888).
• In the Private IP Address box, enter the internal IP address of your base station.
• The Private TCP Ports box should already be populated with 548.

Finally, to access the AirPort Disk:

• From the Finder, go to 'Connect to Server'.
• Enter the DynDNS-provided Domain Name or Public (WAN-side) IP address of the base station, followed by a colon and the Public port number you chose during the setup. For example: afp://www.mydyndnsdomain.com:8888 or afp://123.456.789.123:8888.
• Enter your user name and password when prompted. The user name can be anything you like, but the password should be the disk password for your base station.

Note: Accessing shares over the Internet using either AFP or SMB outside of a VPN tunnel is considered unsecured and is not recommended.

Using a VPN Server

To use a VPN server to connect to a remote airport, you will need to follow these steps:

• Acquire a VPN service: There are many VPN service providers available, such as Mozilla VPN, that offer secure and reliable connections. Choose a reputable provider that suits your needs and sign up for their service.
• Set up your VPN client: Install the VPN client software provided by your chosen VPN service on your device. This could be your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Follow the instructions provided by your VPN service to configure the client correctly.
• Connect to the VPN server: Once the VPN client is set up, connect to the VPN server by entering your credentials. This will establish a secure tunnel for your internet traffic.
• Access the remote airport network: With your VPN connection active, you can now safely connect to the remote airport's Wi-Fi network. Remember to "forget" or remove the WiFi network profile from your device after use to prevent automatic reconnection without VPN protection.

It is important to note that not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs may offer better security and privacy features than others, so it is essential to research and choose a reputable and reliable VPN service. Additionally, using a VPN may result in a slight decrease in internet speed due to the extra layer of encryption.

By following these steps and staying vigilant about your online security, you can safely connect to a remote airport network and protect your data from potential threats.

Using Back to My Mac

First, ensure that you have a Mac running a current or recent operating system. You will also need a simple modem, and your AirPort Extreme should be set up as the router for your network. Additionally, you must know the public WAN IP address that your AirPort is receiving.

Next, open the AirPort Utility on your Mac, which can be found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. In the graphical overview, select your AirPort Extreme base station and click Edit. You may need to enter a password for the base station.

Now, click on the Base Station tab at the top of the window. Tick the box next to Setup over WAN and then click Update. Give the AirPort a moment to restart.

Take your Mac to a location outside of your home network, such as a coffee shop or bookstore. Connect to the internet and open the AirPort Utility again. Go to the File menu and click on Configure Other.

Enter the WAN public IP address provided by your ISP in the box labelled Address. Then, enter the device password you use for your AirPort Extreme in the box labelled Password.

The AirPort Utility main interface will now open, and you should be able to access your AirPort Disk remotely.

Note: Accessing your AirPort Disk remotely without using a VPN tunnel is considered unsecured and is not recommended.

Using a Virtual Private Network

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private network that operates within a public network, such as the internet. It allows users to browse the web through a proxy server, which hides their original IP address and replaces it with the IP address of the proxy server. This means that a VPN can disguise your location, allowing you to access content that may be blocked in certain regions.

VPNs are useful for maintaining anonymity and privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. They can also prevent third parties, such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), from tracking your browsing history and selling this data to advertisers.

To use a VPN, you will need to sign up for a VPN service and download the relevant software. Once installed, you can connect to the VPN and browse the internet through the VPN server.

It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider that offers strong encryption and a clear privacy policy. Some other factors to consider when choosing a VPN provider include:

• The number and location of their servers
• Whether they offer a zero-log or no-log policy
• Whether they provide a kill switch
• Mobile compatibility
• Options for authentication
• The quality of their support team

Frequently asked questions