How Can You Remotely Reboot Devices Without a VPN or Port Forwarding?
When it comes to remote access, IT and operations teams face a common dilemma: how do you safely and reliably reboot critical devices from afar without compromising network security or jumping through technical hoops?
The assumption that an Ethernet-connected device is automatically accessible from the internet is a common misunderstanding. In reality, most Ethernet or LAN-connected devices are isolated behind routers and firewalls, meaning they are only reachable from inside the local network. Attempting to connect from outside, from your office, home, or a different region, simply won’t work.
To get around this limitation, people traditionally use two approaches:
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): A VPN creates a secure tunnel that makes a remote device appear to be on your local network. However, VPNs are often complex to set up, require client software, involve IT admin effort, and can be fragile across different ISPs.
- Port Forwarding: This technique opens specific network ports on your router to the outside internet, allowing access to connected devices. But this exposes the device and potentially your entire network to security risks. Open ports are frequently scanned by attackers, making this a dangerous method unless strictly managed.
Even if your local network was made accessible, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) likely assigns a dynamic IP address. That means your external IP changes periodically, making it difficult or impossible to reliably locate your device from the web.
The Problem with VPNs and Port Forwarding
VPNs and port forwarding can both enable remote control of network-connected devices, but they introduce multiple problems, especially for small IT teams, integrators, and anyone managing equipment in hard-to-reach locations.
A Better Way: Secure Remote Access Without Network Headaches
ControlByWeb provides secure remote rebooting capabilities without requiring VPNs, static IP addresses, or exposed ports. Our devices support multiple access methods designed for flexibility and security, including:
Cellular-Enabled Devices for True Remote Freedom
ControlByWeb’s cellular-enabled I/O controllers are purpose-built for remote environments where Ethernet is unavailable or unreliable. These devices include built-in cellular modems and can automatically maintain outbound connections via the ControlByWeb Cloud . This completely sidesteps the limitations of Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) and port forwarding, allowing secure, low-power operation in isolated or mobile deployments such as solar-powered monitoring stations, tower sites, or rural equipment cabinets.
ControlByWeb Cloud
This optional service allows devices to initiate outbound connections to a secure relay server. Because the connection is outbound-only, there’s no need to expose your network to the internet. Once connected, you can log in to the cloud portal and securely access your devices from anywhere, with no port forwarding or VPN needed.
Secure Tunnel via HTTPS
All ControlByWeb devices support HTTPS and use built-in web servers that require authentication and support user-level permissions. Devices can be configured to only allow connections over TLS/SSL, with firewall rules restricting access to a static set of IPs. This enables secure direct access without needing additional hardware or software.
Local-Only Access
For operations that don’t require remote control, ControlByWeb devices can be locked down to only allow access from inside the local network. This is ideal for SCADA systems, secure facilities, and other locked-down environments.
The Advantages of Simplified, Secure Remote Access
Eliminating VPNs and port forwarding from your remote access architecture provides significant operational and security advantages.
Traditional vs. Modern Remote Access: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | VPN/Port Forwarding | ControlByWeb Secure Access |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Static IP | Yes | No |
| Exposes Network to Internet | Yes | No |
| Requires IT/Admin Setup | Yes | Minimal |
| Uses Encrypted Connection | Sometimes | Always (HTTPS/SSL) |
| User Access Controls | Limited | Built-In, Granular |
| Works with Cellular Networks | Difficult | Yes (with Cellular Gateways) |
| Subscription Required | Often (for VPN services) | Optional (Cloud Relay) |
Real-World Simplicity
You manage a network of IP cameras at remote sites – Instead of setting up a VPN tunnel back to your office, you configure a ControlByWeb device with auto-ping watchdog logic and enable the cloud service. If a camera drops offline, the device automatically reboots it. If you want to check status or reboot manually, just log into the cloud dashboard securely from your browser or mobile device.
Fully Remote Option – No Local Internet Connection
For truly remote sites with no local internet, you can deploy a cellular-enabled ControlByWeb controller. The device maintains connectivity via a mobile data network and still enables all the same secure rebooting capabilities without needing a public IP, VPN, or custom router configuration.
No tunnel. No exposed ports. No midnight tech support calls.
Reboot Smarter, Not Harder
VPNs and port forwarding are relics of an older internet. Today, there are better ways to securely access and control your equipment without sacrificing safety or simplicity. ControlByWeb’s remote rebooting solutions are designed for real-world reliability, minimal setup, and secure access from anywhere.
