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+--- Thread: How to network map asustor shared folder outside of local network without a VPN (/showthread.php?tid=12280)
How to network map asustor shared folder outside of local network without a VPN - Enquiries - 08-27-2025
Hello, I'm setting up a NAS and I wanted to access it's files from File Explorer without setting up a VPN outside of local network. I do have admin access to my router and I can port forward as well. Although I'm not sure how I can set it up. Thanks a lot for the help!
RE: How to network map asustor shared folder outside of local network without a VPN - ed - 08-29-2025
If you want to access your Asustor NAS remotely from outside your local network (e.g., over the internet using File Explorer), you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. This basically means opening up specific ports and directing them to your NAS device so that external devices know how to reach it.
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General Steps for Port Forwarding:
1. Log in to your router’s admin page (usually something like 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the Port Forwarding or NAT settings section.
3. Add a new rule:
• Service name: anything (e.g., NAS SMB or WebDAV)
• Protocol: TCP
• External port: e.g., 5006 for WebDAV over HTTPS
• Internal IP: the IP address of your NAS (e.g., 192.168.1.25)
• Internal port: same as the external port (e.g., 5006)
4. Save and apply changes.
5. You’ll now be able to access your NAS from outside your home using your public IP address and the correct port.
Just keep in mind that this opens up a direct path from the internet to your NAS, and even with strong passwords, it exposes your system to risk.
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A Much Safer Option: Use Tailscale
Instead of forwarding ports, I highly recommend using Tailscale. It creates a secure, encrypted connection between your NAS and remote devices — without exposing your NAS to the internet.
• It’s free for personal use
• Requires no port forwarding
• Easy to install via App Central on Asustor or manually on other systems
• Once set up, your NAS gets a private IP you can always use, even outside your network
If you’re at all concerned about security, hacking, or data exposure, Tailscale is the better long-term option.