I'm looking for a portable solution that allows for site-to-site connectivity without relying on any monthly subscription services. I typically need to remotely access a PC for 24-48 hours, and I might be using a different PC each time. The remote office won't have its ISP device set to bridge mode, and there's no option for a static IP.
I imagine having a specific 'VPN device' that the remote staff can easily set up: they just need to pull it out, plug it into the ISP modem/router, connect it to the PC, and turn it on—no extra hassle on their part. Once I'm done, they can unplug and store it until the next time. It would also be great if this device could work in various locations without needing complicated configurations.
The devices in question could range from mobile hotspots to cable or fiber routers. Additionally, I need the admin device on my side to reliably connect with the remote device while also ensuring that each device can only recognize the other for added security.
In short, I need an easy way to set up a remote desktop-like connection without exposing any RDP ports on the ISP device.
5 Answers
Mikrotik routers are a solid option too; they're quite budget-friendly and include native support for Wireguard and ZeroTier. The hAP lite or mAP lite models are good choices to look into.
Consider using pfSense boxes at both ends. They can create a VPN tunnel, and they're relatively inexpensive too! A solid choice if you're looking for a reliable setup without ongoing fees.
If you’re leaning towards physical devices, the Ubiquiti travel routers just launched at $79 and support both OpenVPN and Wireguard. Once configured, users can just plug them in and they’ll connect automatically! If you want to avoid hardware, software solutions are also worth considering.
For something more unique, there's a custom build called 'football'—a pelican case setup that includes a cell router and IP KVM which establishes an OpenVPN tunnel right when it gets online. It's compact and works well for remote access.
Tailscale could be a great fit for your needs! It allows for easy installations on target machines and works without needing to open specific ports since it operates over egress traffic. It might reduce the need for physical devices as well.
I recently started using Tailscale, and it's fantastic! The ease of use and effectiveness is impressive if you can install it on those PCs.