Nopali Initial Setup

Nopali Network Setup

Nopali allows client computers to connect to the database server using the TCP/IP protocol. Connections are secured with SSL encryption, eliminating the need for a VPN. The first step is to decide which computer will act as the database server.

Within the office network, Nopali can automatically detect the database server using Bonjour technology. However, if you need to connect from outside the office (over the Internet), you must adjust your office router to allow incoming traffic to reach the Nopali Server.

Keep in mind that Internet-based connections may be significantly slower than local network connections due to Internet Service Provider (ISP) upload speed limitations. You may consider upgrading your ISP plan to improve performance.

Adjusting Your Router for Internet-Based Connections

To allow external connections, you need to expose the Nopali Server to the Internet. This involves configuring your router to forward traffic on port 5434 to the database computer. Although not mandatory, using a static IP address for your office network simplifies this process. Contact your ISP for details on obtaining a static IP.

Reserving the Server's Internal IP Address

First, ensure the router always assigns the same internal IP address to the Nopali Server:

• Open your router’s control panel and locate the DHCP Reservation section.
• Find the MAC address of the Nopali Server. On macOS, go to System Settings > Network > Ethernet or Wi-Fi > Details > Hardware.
• Reserve an IP address for the server based on its MAC address.
• Use a wired Ethernet connection for the database server whenever possible.

Port Forwarding: Allowing External Access

Next, configure your router to allow incoming traffic on port 5434:

• Access your router’s control panel and find the Port Forwarding section.
• Forward TCP traffic on port 5434 to the internal IP address of the Nopali Server.
• Save and apply the changes.

Security Note: If you are unsure how to configure your network securely, consider consulting a professional.

Connecting to the Database

Once the network is set up, you can connect using the Nopali application. Launch Nopali to display the connection panel:

Connection Panel

Using Bonjour for Local Network Connections

On the office network, Nopali can automatically detect the database server using Bonjour. Available servers will be listed in the Server dropdown menu with a Bonjour icon.

Manually Entering an IP Address

If connecting remotely, Bonjour will not detect the server. Instead, follow these steps:

• Click the Server button and select Enter New IP Address.
• Enter the external IP address of your office network. (To find this, visit whatismyip.com from the office computer.)
• Enter your Nopali username and password (this is different from your computer login credentials).