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With the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), remote access has become an essential requirement.
This article will explain various ways to remotely access Raspberry Pi and IoT devices behind firewalls and routers, compare solutions, and share security best practices to keep your devices safe.
The Problem with NAT and Firewalls
A Raspberry Pi or IoT device connected to your home or office network typically sits behind a NAT (Network Address Translation) router and possibly a firewall.
Challenges include:
Private IP addresses not accessible externally
Firewalls blocking inbound traffic
ISP restrictions on port forwarding
Security risks of exposing devices online
Common Methods to Remotely Access Raspberry Pi and IoT Devices
1. Port Forwarding
By forwarding a specific port to your Raspberry Pi or IoT device, you can access it using your public IP.
2. Dynamic DNS (DDNS)
DDNS combined with port forwarding makes remote access behind routers more reliable.
3. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPNs are a popular and secure solution.
4. Reverse SSH Tunneling
The device establishes an outbound SSH connection to a remote server, and you connect through that server.
5. Third-Party Remote Access Services
Cloud-based solutions such as Ngrok, ZeroTier, Tailscale, or Dataplicity make remote access simple.
Step-by-Step: Remotely Access Raspberry Pi Behind Firewall Using Reverse SSH
Prepare a Remote Server
You’ll need a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or cloud server with a public IP address.
Create SSH Keys
Generate SSH keys on your Raspberry Pi and copy them to the remote server for secure authentication.
Set Up Reverse Tunnel
ssh -R 2222:localhost:22 [email protected]
This command allows you to SSH into your VPS and then access your Raspberry Pi on port 2222.
Automate the Connection
This ensures your Raspberry Pi behind router remains accessible.
How VPNs Simplify Remote Connections
A VPN is one of the most secure methods for remotely accessing IoT devices behind firewalls.
Options include:
Running OpenVPN or WireGuard on Raspberry Pi
Using routers with built-in VPN servers
Cloud VPNs like Tailscale or ZeroTier for simplified configuration
Cloud-Based Remote Access Tools
Ngrok
Creates a secure tunnel to your local device, giving you a temporary public URL.
Dataplicity
Specifically designed for Raspberry Pi remote remotely access iot devices behind router access.
Tailscale / ZeroTier
Peer-to-peer VPN alternatives that connect devices across firewalls and NAT.
Security Considerations for Remote Access
Here are security best practices:
Use SSH keys instead of passwords
Enable firewalls on Raspberry Pi and IoT devices
Keep software and firmware updated
Use strong VPN encryption
Limit access with IP whitelisting
Security should never be an afterthought when setting up remote access behind firewalls or routers.
Why Remote Access Matters
Home automation: Monitor and control smart devices from anywhere
IoT projects: Remotely update and debug devices in real-world deployments
Media servers: Access your Raspberry Pi-powered media server remotely
Learning and development: Students can practice coding on Raspberry Pi without physical access
Business IoT systems: Manage industrial IoT devices behind corporate firewalls securely
What’s Next for Remote Access Solutions
For Raspberry Pi and IoT enthusiasts, new tools will make remote access behind firewalls and routers even easier while maintaining strong security.
Final Thoughts
From port forwarding and VPNs to modern cloud tunneling solutions, there are many ways to achieve this.
By following the methods outlined here, you can confidently remotely access Raspberry Pi and IoT devices behind firewalls and routers anytime, anywhere.