The SnapStream TV appliance is designed for playback over a local network connection. However, there may be times when you want to connect to SnapStream from a remote location. Here are some options for using SnapStream from outside your local network.
1. Connecting to SnapStream by VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection allows your computer to act as if it is on your internal network, which will allow you to connect to SnapStream just as you would normally.
Advantages: A VPN connection requires little or no additional configuration on your SnapStream server itself, and your network may have one set up already for telecommuting or other purposes.
Limitations: Bandwidth is usually limited and may not support playback of high-bitrate recordings. If you aren't able to play back video, you can still use the Clip From Transcript option.
How to get started: Contact your network administrator to find out if a VPN is available on your network.
2. Connecting to SnapStream over the Internet
Opening your SnapStream server up to the Internet allows users to connect to it from anywhere using a web browser, just as if it were any other website.
Advantages: This option requires little or no additional configuration to the client computer. This makes it a useful option if you have users who are connecting temporarily, or who are switching between computers.
Limitations: Opening your system up to the Internet requires careful implementation of security measures by a trained IT professional in order to prevent incursions into your network.
In order for playback to work properly both inside and outside your local network, a Domain Name System (DNS) entry must exist for your SnapStream that is valid for all users.
Playback over the internet requires certain ports on your firewall to be forwarded. See our Network Configuration article for more information.
Bandwidth is usually limited and may not support playback of high-bitrate recordings. If you aren't able to play back video, you can still use the Clip From Transcript option.
How to get started: Contact your network administrator to find out if connecting to your SnapStream system over the Internet is an option.
3. Using SnapStream via remote access software
By using remote-access software, you can control a PC on your local network from anywhere and play back video from SnapStream through the remote session.
Advantages: Using remote access allows you to interact with uncompressed high-bitrate video without the bandwidth limitations involved with internet access.
Limitations: This method requires the use of third-party software, which may require an additional software license.
For security reasons, some networks do not allow the use of remote access software. Please contact your IT department for more information.
Playback performance will not be predictable when using the SnapStream interface through a remote session, and audio playback may or may not be available.
How to get started: Talk to your network administrator and consult our article on remote access software.
4. SnapStream Cloud
SnapStream's Cloud DVR service provides access to recordings directly over the Internet, without the need to connect to a system on your local network for playback.
Advantages: Storing recordings "in the cloud" allows SnapStream to provide playback just about anywhere there is a broadband internet connection.
How to get started: See our website for more information, then talk to your SnapStream account manager.
NOTE: SnapStream's Cloud DVR is a separate product line that does not integrate with our local appliances.
For more information on any of these options, please contact support.
