Using Virtual Time Clock on the Web



By Jeff Morrow
Redcort Software

Did you know that you can use Virtual TimeClock software on the web? The Virtual TimeClock Server uses standard and efficient TCP/IP communications so it can accept client computer connections from computers on the internet as well as your local business network. There's only two technical details you need to worry about to use your Virtual Time Clock software on the web. The first is the type of Internet connection at your time clock server. The second is a simple configuration change to the router managing your Internet connection at your time clock server location.

Internet Connection

There are two types of Internet connections available: (1) a dynamic IP Address and (2) a static IP Address connection. A static IP Address is necessary to access your network from a remote location. Your Internet service provider can verify or upgrade your Internet service to include a static IP Address. With a static IP Address for your Internet connection, you can configure your connection to allow outside communications. Almost all business networks connected to the Internet have a gateway or router that allows information to come and go to the Internet while preventing outsiders on the internet from accessing the local network resources and data. This router/gateway feature is commonly known as a firewall. Occasionally, an entire computer is dedicated to function as the router/gateway. Most often the gateway or router is an inexpensive hardware device from companies such as Cisco, LinkSys, NetGear, or Netopia.

Port Forwarding

The key to remote access is to open a single port on the router/gateway on your server network to allow remote Virtual TimeClock clients to talk to a Virtual TimeClock server. The remote Virtual TimeClock client talks to the router using the static IP Address for your router at a designated port. The router transparently forwards the information to the Virtual TimeClock server. This type of opening a port on the router is commonly known as ‘port forwarding’.

Once a port on your server's network router is setup, Virtual TimeClock Client is installed as normal at the remote location. Since the Virtual TimeClock client will not be able to automatically find the remote serve, the 'Connect Manually to Server' button is pressed in the Welcome Window. Once so the remote static IP Address and port are entered into the manual connection dialog, the Virtual TimeClock client establishes communications with the remote router. The router automatically forwards all communications to the Virtual TimeClock server. All of the connection and data transmission between the TimeClock client and server is then fully automatic and transparent to the user.

Step by step instructions on setting up Virtual TimeClock for remote access are located in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you need additional help setting up the port forwarding on your router, consult your router’s manual. If you do not have a manual, go to your router manufacturer's web site and download a manual and/or perform a search for ‘port forwarding’ instructions for your router.


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