With some configuration you are able to allow direct access to your database over the internet.


Connecting over the Internet is useful for multiple stores or accessing remotely (without taking over a computer). It is also required for EVOPOS Mobile, EVOPOS Cloud and EVOPOS eCommerce.


Requirements

  • Access to the computer with your Evopos database
  • Database name, username and password
  • Internet with Static IP address or DynDNS
  • Modem username and Password


Recommendations

  • Disabling sa username
  • Strong password with unique username
  • Random 6 digit port number
  • Whitelisting IP addresses
  • Supported version of SQL Server
  • VPN


Step 1 - SQL Configuration

  1. Select Start / Programs / Microsoft SQL Server / Configuration tools / SQL Configuration manager.
  2. On the left hand pane expand the SQL Server Network configuration option
  3. Select Protocols for the instance (Normally BBS or Evopos), right click TCP/IP and select Properties.
  4. From the Properties window select the IP Addresses tab.
  5. Scroll down to the IPALL section and set the TCP Dynamic Ports field blank (instead of 0)
  6. Then set the TCP Port to a six digit random number
  7. You will then have to stop and restart the SQL Server by selecting SQL Server Services from the left hand window, right click SQL Server Instance (Normally BBS or Evopos), select Stop, then select Start.


Step 2 - Computer Configuration


  1. Open Command Prompt (select Run and enter CMD, or Windows key + R) and enter IPCONFIG. Make a note of the current Local IP address and the Gateway IP.
  2. You can then ensure this will always be the same by selecting: Network / Properties / Network Adapter / Properties / Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).


Step 3 - Modem Configuration

In this step we are ensuring your Router (Internet Modem) is configured to forward the port the SQL connection uses to the Local IP address of the SQL Server computer.

  1. Find out your modems IP address (Normally: 192.168.0.1 or 10.1.1.1)
  2. Log into your modem using the user name and password (Normally: user=admin pass=password)
  3. Look for an option such as: 'Port Forwarding'
  4. Add a rule that forwards your custom port (Step 1.6) to the local IP address of computer that is running SQL Server
  5. Save modem settings


Notes:

For a guide on Port Forwarding see: http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm