Forward vs Reverse Connection: Which Do You Need?

When you set up Remote Signature Pad, the first choice is forward vs reverse connection. Both link your phone to your computer over Wi-Fi. The only difference is which device starts the connection.

Forward Connection: the phone connects to the computer

Forward Connection is the default and the most common choice. The computer app waits (the status line says Listening) and the phone connects out to it. On the phone, tap IP Network, and Forward Connection is already selected at the bottom. You then have these options:

• Auto Connect: the easiest. If the phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, the app finds the computer by itself.
• Manual Connect: type the computer address and port, or scan a QR code made by the computer app.
• USB Tether (Android): appears once USB tethering is on.

Reverse Connection: the computer connects to the phone

With Reverse Connection, the phone waits and the computer connects out to it. This helps when the computer sits behind a firewall or a network setup that stops the phone from reaching it. On the phone, switch to Reverse Connection on the IP Network screen. The phone then waits for the computer app to connect.

Forward vs reverse connection: which should you choose?

• Start with Forward Connection and Auto Connect. It works for most people.
• If Auto Connect fails, use the QR code or type the address, still with Forward Connection.
• If the phone cannot reach the computer at all, switch both sides to Reverse Connection.

The phone and the computer app need to be in matching modes: Forward on both, or Reverse on both.

What about Bluetooth and USB?

Android phones have two more options. Bluetooth works without the computer app, and a USB cable is handy when there is no Wi-Fi. iPhone and iPad connect by Wi-Fi, so they use Forward or Reverse Connection.

Learn more

A simple way to remember

In a Forward Connection the phone goes to the computer. In a Reverse Connection the computer goes to the phone. Whoever starts the connection needs to be able to reach the other device, so the choice depends on which device is easier to reach on your network.

Examples

• Home or small office on one Wi-Fi network: Forward Connection with Auto Connect.
• A network where Auto Connect cannot find the computer: still Forward Connection, using the QR code or the address you type.
• A computer behind a firewall that blocks connections coming in: Reverse Connection, so the computer makes the connection out.

Settings that apply to both

SSL and the authentication phrase can be used with either connection, and the network port is 36969 by default. Both apps need matching settings. See the Use SSL, Server Authentication and Default Port pages.

Read the full Forward Connection guide and Reverse Connection guide, the How it works page, or the FAQ if Auto Connect gives you trouble. You can also read what to do when your signature pad is not connecting.