A VPN (virtual private network) enables communication between different PCs or smartphones via a public network or the internet as if they were in a local, private network.

A VPN is a simple alternative if a private network is not possible.

Do not use a connection via the internet without VPN because this requires a private router and port forwarding (complicated).

 

Generic instructions:

1.  Install a VPN on all smartphones and PCs, e.g., Tailscale (free option available).
2. Start the VPN on all smartphones and PCs and connect all scanners to the server PC via the VPN. Connection via a public router or the internet is possible. Connect scanners via VPN to server PC.

BarcodeChecker is optimized for Tailscale, but also supports other VPNs.

 

Instructions for Tailscale VPN:

1.) Create Tailscale network and start Tailscale VPN on your server PC

• Install Tailscale on your server PC.
• Create a Tailscale account.

2.) Connect your smartphone to your Tailscale network

• Install Tailscale on your smartphone.
• Use your account to log into your Tailscale network.

3.) Connect someone else's smartphone to your Tailscale network

• Install Tailscale on someone else's smartphone.
• Do NOT use your account to log in. Instead, click "Use QR code".
• Scan the QR code with your phone to connect someone else's smartphone to your Tailscale network.

 

More info

• More info on BarcodeChecker app and BarcodeChecker for PC (server)
• Print barcode tickets with TicketCreator