Connect to server/database via VPN

  • Hi,
    I have a new client where I need to connect to their SQL database via a VPN using Palo Alto GlobalProtect client. My only experience of working with remote access is via remote desktop, which was very easy. So I am currently not sure what I need to do and I am trying to avoid looking like an idiot to my client 🙁

    I'm am on Windows 10 PC which is part of my own domain (21012 Essential Server) and have connected to the VPN, The client has provided me with the name of the database server and that is it. Is this enough information to access the SQL server or do I need more information?

    If everything is working ok, should I be able to '<browse>' for the clients server or do I need to tell SQL server browse using the VPN connection. I current have SQL Server running locally on this PC and have one running on my 2012 server which is currently all I can see using <browse>.

    Thanks for any and all help
    Steve

  • SteveD SQL - Friday, December 1, 2017 1:54 AM

    Hi,
    I have a new client where I need to connect to their SQL database via a VPN using Palo Alto GlobalProtect client. My only experience of working with remote access is via remote desktop, which was very easy. So I am currently not sure what I need to do and I am trying to avoid looking like an idiot to my client 🙁

    I'm am on Windows 10 PC which is part of my own domain (21012 Essential Server) and have connected to the VPN, The client has provided me with the name of the database server and that is it. Is this enough information to access the SQL server or do I need more information?

    If everything is working ok, should I be able to '<browse>' for the clients server or do I need to tell SQL server browse using the VPN connection. I current have SQL Server running locally on this PC and have one running on my 2012 server which is currently all I can see using <browse>.

    Thanks for any and all help
    Steve

    What authentication method have you used to connect to their VPN?  Did they give you a credential on their domain to authenticate?  If it is one of their domain credentials, RDP to the server and work as you have done previously, otherwise ask them for a method of authentication to their SQL server.

  • Hi SSC Guru
    Thanks for quick reply. I am not sure what you mean by authentication method with VPN, assuming you didn't mean the SQL Server login. I have client software mentioned, I entered Portal, user_name and password. The software says I am connected and I can ping the 'assigned local IP'. It does say that the protocol is IPSec, is that what you meant?

    Sorry for the ignorance
    Cheers
    Steve

  • The username and password, is that purely for the VPN portal or is it a domain account on their network.  If it is only portal you need to ask them for credentials to their network or SQL credentials to connect to the server.  Your going to need to speak to your client to ensure they have given you the right credentials to carry out your work.

  • Thanks... just to confirm, am I correct that to 'Server:' value would be <IP address from VPN>\ServerName.

    I found some other article about this and people talked about pinging the SQL Server and I was able to PING <instancename>. Since I can't login to the Server, error is 'The server was not found or was not accessible', could it be a Port issue?

  • Depends if its a named instance or not.

    If its a default instance its just SERVERNAME

    If its a named instance its SERVERNAME\INSTANCENAME

    You will need to speak to your client and ask them what the correct Servername, Instancename, authentication methods are for accessing over their VPN.  You may have to RDP after VPN, the client will tell you what you need to do.

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