Remote Access to NAS

Johnniep

I am hoping to setup some network storage which ideally I would like to access remotely via the internet. The NAS will be attached to a Netgear router which connects to the internet via a dynamic IP address. I am just looking for a bit of advice on the best way to go about this. The obvious solution is to obtain a fixed IP addy, but I am sure there is a way around this?

Thanks for your help!!!

snappieT

OK, from what I've heard, NAS share their data via samba.
Assuming this is correct, the ports used are 137, 138 & 139.

What you need to do is set a fixed IP for the NAS on your local network. Then go into your router configuration page, and look up NAT, (Network Address Translation, Port Forwarding, it has a variety of names), and forward ports 137, 138, and 139 to the local IP of the NAS.

You will now be able to connect to the shares via the IP address.

To save getting a fixed IP address, take a look at www.dyndns.com or www.no-ip.com. Some routers let you put your login details into the config pages. The router reports to dyndns every hour, say, with what your current IP address is. If the IP changed, dyndns update their nameservers to represent the change. Since the nameservers for the url you get are owned by dyndns, the mapping is virtually instant.

Then you just go to the remote PC, and map the network drive as \\jonniep.dyndns.org\<sharename>.

Any problems, give me a shout!

humaxf1

I got one of the NAS enclosures in Maplin and a 250GB drive. Worked out at €165. Works a treat both on my local network and over the net via FTP. I have the advantage of a IBB Breeze connection which is a fixed IP.

I opened port 21 on my Linksys WRT54G and forwarded it to the IP of the NAS. If I want to transfer BIG files to/from it, I use FTP Filezilla rather than copy&paste. Rate is about 5MB/sec.

Zirconia

Both the suggestions from the posters above will allow you to connect and do what you want, but anyone else can too. someone running a port scanner will pick up these ports, and the scanner will tell them that you are running an open file share or ftp server. Password protection will only get you so far as well (assuming you have this in place even), as the packets can be intercepted and the passwords cracked - the port 21 method dosen't even need to be cracked; the password will be readable plain-text in a captured packet.

If you really want to access your NAS, and it's a linux or win based device, you may be able to set up OpenVPN or the like, which is a much more sensible option.

humaxf1

Hi zirconia,

What would you suggest for setting up a VPN so I can access my NAS

thx

ntlbell

What model router are you using?

OpenVPN is an option for you, or your current router may support GRE tunnels.

As has been suggested and picked up on all ready, do not forward these ports to access the NAS remotley.

humaxf1

its a Linksys WRT54G, broadband router.

SouperComputer

If you plan opening the netbios trio of ports for shraing, you could save yourself the hassle and just format the drive instead

You could run OpenVPN from a PC, or perhaps purchase a new router with VPN functionality.

FTP is another option, but VPN is proably the best way to go.