Issue description
Users may notice some performance challenges when connecting remotely to BIMcloud Basic through a VPN, but those on the local area network (LAN) typically don't experience similar issues.
According to the BIMcloud End User License Agreement (EULA), BIMcloud Basic is designed to be used within the local office area network. Remote access is possible through VPN, but setup and stability heavily depend on proper network and system configuration.
Solution
If BIMcloud Basic users only have issues when connecting through VPN but not on LAN, the likely root cause is port, firewall, or VPN misconfiguration, or insufficient internet performance. Confirm the correct communication ports, verify firewall/network settings, and ensure that the host computer’s internet meets the recommended BIMcloud requirements.
1. Understand the BIMcloud Basic application modules
BIMcloud Basic consists of two modules:
- Manager module
- Server module
Each module communicates via a dedicated port that must be open and accessible on your network.
2. Check the ports used by BIMcloud Basic
- On the BIMcloud host computer, open the BIMcloud Basic Manager web browser interface via the tray icon.
- Navigate to: Home > Servers > BIMcloud Basic Manager > Settings → Confirm the Manager module communication port - shown at the end of the primary connection address.
-
Home > Servers > Server-YYYY-MM-DD > Settings → Confirm the Server module communication port (shown at the end of the primary connection address).
Alternatively, open the Configure menu from the tray icon to view communication port details for both modules.
Check local and remote firewall settings
Ensure that the communication ports for both the manager and server modules are open through:
- Computer hardware firewall
- Operating system firewall
- Router firewall
- Antivirus software (if installed)
- Proxy server (if implemented)
Network monitoring applications also need to be checked for any blocking.
Test the internet connectivity of the BIMcloud host computer
Run a Speedtest and record:
- Upload/download speeds (Mbps)
- Ping (latency in ms)
Then compare the results against the recommended network requirements for BIMcloud Basic, detailed here: Network requirements.
Responsibility of VPN connection setup
While remote connection via VPN is possible and permitted under the BIMcloud EULA, any performance or stability issues when working remotely become the responsibility of:
- Your in-house IT administrator, or
- An external IT professional.
This is because proper remote connection requires the correct configuration of all network and security layers in the communication path between Archicad and BIMcloud Basic.