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Multi-Location (Wide Area Network or WAN) Setup

Learn how to connect two or more business locations using Tailscale or Hamachi VPN so you can share and view database information across locations in the software.

Written by Angel Horowitz
Updated today

📝 Overview

Learn how to connect your software at two or more business locations so you can share and view database information between them. The software includes Wide Area Network (WAN) settings that let you switch between databases at different locations.

This article covers two methods for creating a secure virtual private network (VPN) between your locations: Tailscale (recommended) and Hamachi (legacy). Once your VPN is in place, you'll configure the WAN settings in the software to connect your locations together.

✅ Before You Begin

Make sure the following prerequisites are completed before starting the WAN setup process:

  • Each location must have completed the Network Setup process. If you haven't done this yet, complete it first and then return to this article.

  • You will need the database password for each location you plan to connect (if the databases are password protected).

  • Ideally, have a person at each location in contact with one another during this process so you can confirm IP addresses and test connections in real time.

🔒 Setting Up Your VPN Connection

Learn how to create a secure connection between your locations using either Tailscale (recommended) or Hamachi.

🛡️ Option 1: Tailscale (Recommended)

Tailscale is the recommended VPN solution for connecting your locations. It is easier to set up and more reliable than Hamachi.

Click here to learn how to create a Tailscale account and install Tailscale

📥 Creating Your Account and Installing Tailscale

Click the arrow to learn how to set up Tailscale

  1. On the server computer at your first location, open a web browser and go to https://tailscale.com.

  2. Click Get Started or Sign Up.

  3. Create an account using one of the available sign-in methods (Google, Microsoft, or email).

  4. Once your account is created, you will be prompted to download the Tailscale client. Click Download and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

  5. After installation, Tailscale will appear in your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen near the clock).

  6. Click the Tailscale icon in the system tray and sign in with the account you just created.

  7. Once signed in, your computer will be assigned a Tailscale IP address (for example, 100.x.x.x). Make a note of this IP address, you will need it when configuring WAN settings in the software.

💡 Tip: The Tailscale IP address is a unique address that stays the same as long as the device is connected to your Tailscale network. You can always find it by clicking the Tailscale icon in the system tray.

🖥️ Connecting Additional Device

Click here to learn how to connect additional devices

  1. On the server computer at your second location (or any additional computer that needs to connect), open a web browser and go to https://tailscale.com/download.

  2. Download and install the Tailscale client.

  3. Click the Tailscale icon in the system tray and sign in using the same account you created during the first setup.

  4. The device will automatically join your Tailscale network. You should now see all connected devices listed when you click the Tailscale icon.

  5. Note the Tailscale IP address assigned to this device as well.

⚠️ Please Note: All devices that need to communicate must be signed in to the same Tailscale account. If a device is signed in to a different account, it will not be able to connect to your other locations.

✅ Verifying the Connection

Click here to learn how to verify your Tailscale connection

  1. On any connected computer, click the Tailscale icon in the system tray.

  2. You should see a list of all devices on your Tailscale network along with their IP addresses.

  3. To test the connection, open Command Prompt on one computer and type: ping [Tailscale IP of the other computer] (for example, ping 100.64.0.2).

  4. If you receive replies, the connection is working. If the request times out, check that Tailscale is running and signed in on both devices.

💡 Tip: If you are having trouble connecting, check your Tailscale admin console at https://login.tailscale.com/admin to make sure all devices show as Connected. You can also try restarting the Tailscale service on both machines.

🔗 Option 2: Hamachi (Legacy)

Hamachi is the legacy VPN solution. If you are already using Hamachi and your connections are working, you do not need to switch to Tailscale. For new setups, we recommend Tailscale instead.

Click here to learn how to set up Hamachi

⚠️ Please Note: Hamachi is a third-party product and may have limitations or require a paid subscription for networks with more than a small number of devices.

  1. Download and install Hamachi on the server computer at each location.

  2. Create a Hamachi network on one computer and have the other location(s) join that same network.

  3. Once all locations have joined the Hamachi network, note the Hamachi IP address for each server computer. The Hamachi IP is the series of numbers shown next to each computer name in the Hamachi window.

For detailed Hamachi setup instructions, see the Hamachi Virtual Private Network Setup article.

🖧 Connecting Your Locations in the Software

Learn how to configure the Wide Area Network settings in the software to connect to your other locations.

➕ Adding a Remote Location

These steps must be completed on each computer that will be used to view information at another location.

Click here to learn how to add a remote location

  1. In the software, select the Tools pull-down menu and choose Wide Area Network Settings.

  2. Click Add on the right.

  3. Enter the name of the location you are connecting to in the Location Name box. Most people use the street name of the other location, but it can be anything that uniquely identifies the other store.

  4. In the SQL Server Settings section, enter the Server Name using the format: VPN IP\SQL Instance.

    • If using Tailscale, the VPN IP is the Tailscale IP address (for example, 100.64.0.2\DSI).

    • If using Hamachi, the VPN IP is the Hamachi IP address (for example, 25.98.62.195\DSI).

    • The SQL Instance will most likely be DSI, but it may be different (for example, CMJ).

  5. Leave the User ID as sa.

  6. If the location you are connecting to has a database password, enter it in the Password field. If there is no password, leave it blank.

  7. Click OK.

  8. If you have additional locations to connect, repeat Steps 2–7 for each one.

🧪 Testing and Using the Connection

Learn how to verify that your remote location connection is working and switch to viewing another location's database.

Click here to learn how to test and use the connection

  1. In the Wide Area Network Settings window, select the location you want to test from the Remote location pull-down menu.

  2. Click the Test Connection button. You should see a successful connection result.

  3. If the test fails, check the following:

    • Confirm the VPN software (Tailscale or Hamachi) is running and connected on both computers.

    • Verify the Server Name, SQL Instance, and password are correct.

    • Check that your Windows Firewall has the necessary exceptions. See the Windows Firewall in a Network Environment article for help.

  4. To connect to the remote location, make sure it is selected in the Remote location pull-down menu and click OK in the lower right.

  5. When connected to a remote location, a reminder will appear in the title bar of your software.

🔄 Switching Back to Your Local Database

Learn how to disconnect from a remote location and return to viewing your own local database.

Click here to learn how to switch back to your local database

  1. Select the Tools pull-down menu and choose Wide Area Network Settings.

  2. Select the This location radio button.

  3. Click OK in the lower right. Your local database information will be displayed and the Remote Location reminder in the title bar will be gone.

⚠️ Troubleshooting

Learn how to resolve common issues with multi-location WAN connections.

  • Connection test fails: Make sure the VPN software (Tailscale or Hamachi) is running and signed in on both computers. Verify the Server Name format is correct (VPN IP\DSI). If using Tailscale, check the admin console at https://login.tailscale.com/admin to confirm both devices show as Connected.

  • Incorrect SQL Instance: Go to File > Database Settings > Connection Settings on the computer at the remote location. The SQL Instance is displayed after the backslash in the server name (for example, COMPUTERNAME\DSI).

  • Windows Firewall blocking the connection: You may need to add firewall exceptions for SQL Server and your VPN software. See the Windows Firewall in a Network Environment article for detailed instructions.

  • Tailscale device not appearing in the network: Make sure the device is signed in to the same Tailscale account as your other devices. Restart the Tailscale service and check the admin console.

  • Hamachi showing a yellow triangle or relay connection: This typically indicates a direct connection could not be established. Try restarting the Hamachi service on both computers. If the issue persists, consider switching to Tailscale for a more reliable connection.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.

Click the arrow to view frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Tailscale and Hamachi?

Click the arrow to see the answer

Both are VPN tools that create a secure connection between your locations over the internet. Tailscale is the recommended option because it is easier to set up, more reliable, and requires less ongoing maintenance. Hamachi is still supported for existing setups but is considered a legacy option.

Do I need to install the VPN on every computer?

Click the arrow to see the answer

You need to install the VPN software on every server computer as well as any computers that you would like to access the wide area network with. Workstation (client) computers on the same local network as the server do not need the VPN installed if they will only be accessing their local server computer.

Can I switch from Hamachi to Tailscale?

Click the arrow to see the answer

Yes. Install Tailscale on your server computers, note the new Tailscale IP addresses, and then update the Server Name in your WAN settings to use the Tailscale IP instead of the Hamachi IP.

Do I need to keep the VPN running all the time?

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The VPN only needs to be running when you want to view or access information at another location. However, leaving it running ensures the connection is always available when needed.

Can I connect more than two locations?

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Yes. Repeat the VPN setup and WAN configuration steps for each additional location. All locations should be on the same VPN network (same Tailscale account or same Hamachi network).

What if I don't know my database password?

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If you are unsure whether your database has a password, try leaving the password field blank when configuring the WAN settings. If the connection fails, contact DaySmart Support for assistance recovering your database password.

Will switching to a remote location affect my local appointments or data?

Click the arrow to see the answer

No. Switching to a remote location only changes which database you are viewing. Your local data is not affected and will still be there when you switch back.

What is the SQL Instance and how do I find it?

Click the arrow to see the answer

The SQL Instance is the name of the database service running on your server. To find it, go to File > Database Settings > Connection Settings on the remote location's computer. It is typically DSI or CMJ but may vary.

Related Articles
Hamachi Virtual Private Network Setup
Network Setup
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