How do you access a Flex 6400 from within a remote non-routable network?

Rich W6RGC

I'm sure a few of you have been in the same situation. You can't use SmartLink because it requires port forwarding, which implicitly requires your network to have an internet accessible static or dynamic ip address.

Alas, your radio is deep within some remote non-routable network where it can make an outside internet connection, but cannot accept connections form the internet.

What is/was your workaround?

I'm brainstorming ideas right now. Here are a few options I'm thinking:

(1) openvpn with an openvpn client enabled router
- install an openvpn client enabled router where the flex radio is located (in the remote non-routable network)
- set up an openvpn server at "home" where I run smartsdr
- connect the openvpn client enabled wifi router to the openvpn server at home
- connect the computer running smartsdr to the openvpn server at home
- boom! they are now on the same network and one can connect without smartlink

(2) raspberry pi/ssh:
- set up the raspberry pi's wifi within the remote non-routable network
- install dhcp on the raspberry pi's ethernet
- plug the flex radio into the raspberry pi using a "null" ethernet cable
- bridge the raspberry pi's wifi and ethernet networks
- using rpi-connect (designed to bust through NATs) and from my home computer, access the remote raspberry pi and ssh reverse tunnel ports 4993 and 4994 to another raspberry pi at home.
- boom! now the raspberry pi at home will appear as though it's the radio.

(3) use a service, like noports.com
- monthly payments. Boo.

Any other ideas?

73,

Rich W6RGC

Rich W6RGC

I may have sent this prematurely. As I read other posts, I see more options, like SoftEther: https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/8025748/working-around-cgnat-is-it-possible#latest

Mike-VA3MW

https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/8030063/mikes-python-script-for-non-smartlink-and-simple-vpn

Mike-VA3MW

There are a number of options. BTW, the port opening is secure and the link is a TLS connection. If you understand what that means, you get it. If it is foreign to you, you have to trust me. :)

• SoftEther VPN is free and works the best as it relays the required L2 UDP packets. Use remote guys used it for years before SmartLink was released. You can route through their intermediate servers. It does work but you might not like the performance.
• If you are stuck and double/tripled nat'd, you are a bit hosed for a peer to peer connection which is what SL provides. Either you have an intermediate server (high latency) or you need to build a defined tunnel

SmartLink is designed for the home user to provide a simple, reliable and secure route to your radio. It sounds like you are on a business type of network. It isn't that it can't be done, it just isn't plug and play.

I figure you know this already, but I want to share it for others who might not be aware of the history.

73