Synergy (mouse & KB sharing) works with some but not with all PCs

[Kari]

Hi geeks and geekettes.

I am most probably reaching the moon, trying something impossible, but still this is not giving me peace before I at least know it is not possible.

Scenario: Home office, 5 PCs. Two of the PCs belong to a domain when connected over Cisco AnyConnect VPN client (let's say Domain 1.), one PC belongs to another domain when connected over AT&T Global Network Connect VPN client (Domain 2). One PC is my current favorite laptop, one is our home server.

All three domain PCs running Seven Pro x64, my laptop Eight CP x64 and home server Windows Server 8 Beta x64. Networking OK, all PCs can see others and share when used on local network (VPN connection inactive).

I am using Synergy to seamless share mouse and keyboard. It works flawless EXCEPT this:

Laptop and home server can share mouse & kb with either Domain 1 PCs or Domain 2 PC but not with both. Domain 1 and Domain 2 PCs can share mouse and KB but then not with laptop and home server.

Maybe this explains it better (DEDDXXXXXX PCs = Domain 1, 2522XXXXXX = Domain 2):



This would be the ideal situation, Domain 2 PC as Synergy server, other PCs clients. ATM I can share mouse & KB with AGM PCs & Domain 1 PCs, or AGM PCs & Domain 2 PC, or Domain 1 PCs & Domain 2 PC. I just simply can not share mouse and kb with all 5. Error message on Synergy server always the same: "Connection refused".

Notice that this happens when domain PCs are not connected to domains i.e. when they are using just my home network, members of the same subnet, workgroup and homegroup. All others wired, laptop wireless connection.

If you have any ideas please share it!

Kari

 

[Anak]

This is a little out of my league Kari, but I just broke it down to "Server Connection refused"

I thought about #'s 4, and 12 here: Synergy Frequently Asked Questions

Then make sure the respective firewall ports are open, isn't it usually port 24800?

Simple stuff like: Troubleshooting Synergy(Keyboard Mouse sharing) problems - Kavin "Connection refused" is second down.

I looked around in here Newest 'synergy' Questions - Super User , but I didn't see too much.

 

[Kari]

Anak, thanks for your response.

Server host name(s) correct, firewall ports opened, and so on.

I was first thinking this was because of 3 PCs quite often joining a domain over VPN, effectively becoming members of different networks/subnets. Then I noticed that this strange issue occurred even when VPNs were not connected and all PCs on same subnet.

My next guess was mixed OSs, Eights and Sevens. I'm still suspecting that might be the issue; as I explained, all 3 Win 7 PCs can share mouse & kb but they do not accept my Win 8 rigs to "join", or my Win 8 rigs can connect to one of the domain's PCs (Win 7) but not to both at the same time.

Could be better to get a switch . LogMeIn / TeamViewer etc. are not real alternatives due pointer delay and worse gfx. I'm so bloody tired of keyboards and mouses filling my desk.

Kari

 

[Anak]

Your welcome!

You've tried editing through your screens, like it says at the bottom of your screenshot? I'm not that familiar with how many, and where are all the configuration settings.
You've taken on quite a challenge there. You might have to make a schematic to keep it all organized.

You might have hit on something there about 7, and 8 working together.
You know how 7 can be with XP; WorkGroup, HomeGroup...

Besides what you pointed out, a switch isn't as automatic as to what your trying to accomplish.

And thank you for my chuckle of the day, I can relate to "I'm so bloody tired of keyboards and mouses filling my desk".