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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.
Why It’s Difficult to Connect Behind Firewalls
This means the device has a private IP address and cannot be directly accessed from the internet.
Challenges include:
Private IP addresses not accessible externally
Firewalls blocking inbound traffic
ISP restrictions on port forwarding
Security risks of exposing devices online
Solutions for Remote Access
1. Port Forwarding
However, this method comes with security risks since it exposes your device directly to the internet.
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
This is an excellent option for beginners who want to manage IoT devices behind routers without complex setups.
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
Use tools like autossh to keep the tunnel alive even after reboots or connection drops.
VPN Setup for Remote Access
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
No Port Forwarding Needed
Ngrok
Creates a secure tunnel to your local device, giving you a temporary public URL.
Dataplicity
Specifically designed for Raspberry Pi remote access.
Tailscale / ZeroTier
Peer-to-peer VPN alternatives that connect devices across firewalls and NAT.
Security Considerations for Remote Access
Exposing IoT devices to the internet can make them vulnerable to hacking.
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 remotely access Raspberry Pi behind router corporate firewalls securely
Trends in Remote Connectivity
Zero-trust networking, cloud-native VPNs, and AI-driven security will dominate the future.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a hobbyist working with Raspberry Pi behind a router or a developer managing IoT devices behind firewalls, having reliable and secure remote access is essential.
The key is balancing convenience with security—using trusted tools, encrypting connections, and keeping your devices protected.