I’m working on a Java application that I want to be accessible on any machine once downloaded. Currently, this application interacts with a MySQL database hosted on my localhost. To function properly over the internet, I need my application to connect to the database remotely. Presently, my connection code looks like this:
Connection conn = DriverManager.getConnection("jdbc:mysql://public_ip_address/database_name", "db_user", "db_password");
The database user ‘db_user’ is set to allow access from ‘%’, which I believe lets any host connect. However, when I test my application from a different network, I encounter a ‘Communications Link Failure’ error. For context, I manage my database using XAMPP. Any guidance on resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated!
hey Lucas! have you checked if your firewall settings allow connections on the MySQL port? sometimes, the firewall blocks requests from outside networks. also, have you tried using a VPN to see if the connection works? it might give a clue if the issue’s with the network. curious on what you tried so far!
I faced a similar challenge a while ago. One aspect that often goes unnoticed is configuring your router to forward traffic from the internet to your database server. You must enable port forwarding for the MySQL default port (usually 3306) to route incoming connection requests to your server’s local IP address. Also, ensure that your public IP address hasn’t changed, as this could affect connectivity. If using a dynamic IP service, consider a dynamic DNS solution to map your changing public IP to a consistent domain name.
hey! besides the firewall & port forwarding, check if your ISP blocks incoming connections on certain ports. sometimes they’ll block ports used by databases for security reasons. a quick call to them can clarify. also, double-check user permissions—mySQL sometimes needs more settings for external connections. hope this helps!