The objective of this article is to explain how Bonjour Forwarding works, and how to configure it on your Web UI. Please note that this feature is available on devices running Firmware 6.1.2 or newer.
What is Bonjour?
Bonjour is Apple's proprietary layer 2 protocol that helps Bonjour-enabled devices discover each other. Bonjour is necessary for Airplay and Airprint to function. Normally, Bonjour only works on other devices on the same local network, not on different VLAN or on devices connected to remote networks.Bonjour Forwarding
With Bonjour Forwarding, you can detect devices connected to different VLAN as well as devices connected to outside networks through PepVPN or SpeedFusion. In this example, Each iPad will be able to access both Apple TVs and the printer on Subnet 2.
Configuring Bonjour Forwarding
First, enable VLAN on your router's web UI. For instructions, please refer to this article.
Once you have enabled VLAN, the Bonjour Forwarding menu will appear on the bottom of the screen. Here, click Enable and then specify the networks and clients you wish to enable Bonjour forwarding on. Following the diagram above for the router on subnet 1 and 2, here is what each line does:
- Enable access to the Apple TV on subnet 3 from clients on subnet 1 and 2.
- Enable access to the Apple TV on subnet 1 from clients on subnets 1,2, and 3.
- Enable access to the printer on subnet 2 from clients on subnets 1,2, and 3.
To complete the configuration, follow the above screen for the router on subnet 3. Here is what each line does:
- Enable access to the Apple TV and the printer on subnet 1 and 2 from clients on subnet 3.
- Enable access to the Apple TV on subnet 3 from clients on subnet 1 and 2.