Setting up a VPN on non static IP address?

I got may cameras in and have everything set and can see them fine on my network from my phone, table etc. Now I'd like to see them when I'm away from home. I've read through the vpn thread but seems like most have a static IP from their internet provider.

Since I'm out in the boonies, I don't have a wired connection and have to rely on a Sprint hotspot. It works good, but it's a dynamic IP that changes. I know I'll need to upgrade my router, but wanted to check if vpn is possible in this setup before jumping.

seez52 said:

I got may cameras in and have everything set and can see them fine on my network from my phone, table etc. Now I'd like to see them when I'm away from home. I've read through the vpn thread but seems like most have a static IP from their internet provider.

Since I'm out in the boonies, I don't have a wired connection and have to rely on a Sprint hotspot. It works good, but it's a dynamic IP that changes. I know I'll need to upgrade my router, but wanted to check if vpn is possible in this setup before jumping.

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if your issue is just a dynamic ip address, then all you need is a ddns service...problem is with mobile hotspots that they give you a non routable ip address so its not externally accessible. Look into hamachi its free too.

I'm currently using Tonido to access files on my home computer via my phone. Not sure how Tonido makes this work I always thought it was a vpn sort of thing.

seez52 said:

I'm currently using Tonido to access files on my home computer via my phone. Not sure how Tonido makes this work I always thought it was a vpn sort of thing.

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It's not a VPN. Tonido is, to quote their website, "....Personal Cloud software...", meaning your files are stored on their server, you create an account and you access their server to view, play, etc. your files.

As @fenderman stated, most cellular provider's hotspots do not provide a public IP.

ok, so if I can't vpn to a Sprint hotspot what other options do I have for remote viewing?

seez52 said:

ok, so if I can't vpn to a Sprint hotspot what other options do I have for remote viewing?

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check with sprint, they may be able to give you a routeable ip for a fee...
see my post above for alternatives. hamchi - ngrok

TonyR said:

It's not a VPN. Tonido is, to quote their website, "....Personal Cloud software...", meaning your files are stored on their server, you create an account and you access their server to view, play, etc. your files.

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Tonido state that your files aren't stored on their server
"Ideal as a personal cloud server or a home cloud server. Your files reside on your computer not on a third party server."


They have some documentation here. It doesn't fully explain the way it works but I suspect it's similar to remote desktop offerings like Google's Chrome Remote Desktop where the host software on the PC creates a tunnel to the client software on your portable device.

Speaking of remote desktop - that might be enough if you don't need frequent access.

xdq said:

Tonido state that your files aren't stored on their server
"Ideal as a personal cloud server or a home cloud server. Your files reside on your computer not on a third party server."

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I stand corrected.

@fenderman is right, most cell providers do not allow internet traffic to make connections to the cellular devices (At least not without an expensive business account with static addresses and in some cases private APN's). Basically all cellular traffic has to be initiated from the cellular user end. Here is a work-around that I use to connect a remote site (cell only) to my NVR at my main office (wired internet), and thus extending my port-forwarding ability to the internet.

My main office has a VPN server so that our users can access network resources remotely (file-sharing, email, terminal services, etc)
The remote site has a router with VPN client capabilities that connects to the VPN Server.
When this VPN connection is active, the cameras at the remote site are accessible from the main office because the VPN connection makes the remote network part of my main office network.

In theory you could subscribe to a VPN service, then implement the VPN client hardware to make this work. Or if you have a friend/family with a wired internet connection who's willing to let you manage their network then you could do this utilizing their internet connection. It's a very technical process that requires strong knowledge in routing and VPNs. It also won't be bullet proof (ex. think about what happens when you hit your data allowance, what happens when your VPN server looses internet connection or power).

fenderman said:

check with sprint, they may be able to give you a routeable ip for a fee...
see my post above for alternatives. hamchi - ngrok

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How to setup ngrok? I also problem in accessing my router and seems isp's doesnt want me to access the router.

I checked into Hamachi and it does work for my setup. I was able to access my cameras with my home internet access through a Sprint hotspot. The only problem is I don't have enough bandwidth to view the video feed, either live or recorded.

seez52 said:

I checked into Hamachi and it does work for my setup. I was able to access my cameras with my home internet access through a Sprint hotspot. The only problem is I don't have enough bandwidth to view the video feed, either live or recorded.

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what is your bandwidth? try the substream

It's usually around 5mbps, uploading may be a little slower.

seez52 said:

It's usually around 5mbps, uploading may be a little slower.

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that is sufficient to view a camera remotely...use the substream.

Hi

What do you think about freelan - A VPN client that loves you ! instead using Hamachi or Ngrok ?

Freeland does not say anything about supporting Android?