How to Access a Server from Outside the Network

How can I access a server from outside the network?

“Hi, everyone. This question may seem a little bit dumb. I want to access my office server from outside the network, but I don’t know what can I do to realize it? I completely have no idea. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.” 

3 methods to access a server from outside the network

Here in this part, 3 methods are summarized for you on how to access a server from outside the network, such as using AnyViewer, RDP, and VPN. Follow me to know how they work respectively.

Method 1. Use AnyViewer

For how to access server from other network, we strongly recommend third-party remote access software-- AnyViewer. With AnyViewer, you can get the following convenience and advantages.

★Advantages:

☞ With AnyViewer, the remote connection won’t be limited by the same network when you access a server from outside the network.

☞ You can enjoy fast connection speed, easy operation, and low latency when remoting into a server.

☞It’s workable for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2.

Click the download link to get the fantastic experience, and then do as follows.

Step 1. Sign up for an AnyViewer account and then sign in to this account on the two computers. Once logged in, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically. 

Step 2.   On the client computer,  go to "Device", click the PC that you need to control, and click "One-click control" to achieve remote connection with one click. 

Step 3. Now the remote control is successfully established. And you can access a server from outside the network. Isn't it easy? 

Pay attention: If you don't want to log in to AnyViewer account, you can also practice the following steps:

Step 1. Install AnyViewer on both two PCs. Open it and the device ID and Settings are shown on the main interface of AnyViewer.

Step 2. On the host PC, navigate to  “Unattended”  and enable "Set my security code"; then type the security code, click on "OK" and return to the main interface.

Step 3. On the client PC, enter the device ID of the host PC, and then click on “Connect”.

Step 4. Then the client PC will jump to a new window, choose the second option “Input my security code”, and then click on “OK”.

Step 5. Now the client PC can access a server from the outside network.

Note: The firewall may block AnyViewer in some places with strict security policies. For this reason, you need to configure the firewall to allow AnyViewer to connect from outside the network through the firewall. The supported ports for UDP is 30196, and for TCP ports are 30192 and 30193.

Method 2. Use Remote Desktop Connection

Windows built-in feature, Remote Desktop, is also available when you access a server from outside the network. However, to get PC remote access behind firewall with RDP, you need to configure the router for port forwarding

Find the routers IP address (Default Gateway)

Step 1. Search CMD in the search box and then right-click and choose run as administrator.

Step 2. Type ipconfig and then locate the Default Gateway in the following picture and enter it into the browser.  

Step 3. Find the username and password behind the router.

Concrete steps for port forwarding

Step 1. Open a web browser. Then type your router’s IP address into the address bar. 

Step 2. A privacy warning will appear. Just click "Advanced" > "Proceed" to continue.

Step 3. Next, enter your router’s username and password. 

Step 4. Click on "Port Forwarding/Port Triggering" on the left pane.  Create a new port forwarding rule and click "Add", and choose "Add Custom Service".

Step 5. In the Port Forwarding interface, give your device a name and enter the port number you wish to forward in the port field (if you're not sure which protocol to use, choose "TCP/UDP" or "Both" under Service Type.

Step 6. Then enter the internet IP address of the device you want to port forward, and then click "Apply" to save the changes.

Step 7. Finally, save your settings.

Now the port forwarding is accomplished, we can access a server by using an IP address.

Concrete steps for “Remote Desktop Connection”

Step 1. Before the connection, make sure you have enabled the RDP.

Step 1. Search Remote Desktop Connection in the search box and then open it.

Step 2. Type in the public IP address, and then click on “Connect”.

Step 3. Enter the username and password. Finally, you can successfully access a server from outside the network.

Note: Some users are worried about “Is port forwarding safe?” Actually, the answer is yes.

Method 3. Use VPN connection

Some of the users will choose VPN to realize remote control for the security of VPN. Actually, we can also remote in to a server from outside the network by using VPN. The host PC will act as one of the parts on the same network when you use a VPN to connect. 

Before we get to know how to access the server remotely by VPN, figuring out the VPN server name or address, the VPN type, username, and password are necessary.

Step 1. Press Win + I  to open Settings. Select Internet & Network. And then locate on “VPN”. Click Add a VPN Connection.

Step 2. Type the name that you want to use for the connection and the other required details (such as server name or address, VPN type, username, and password). After finishing, click on “Save”.

Step 3. Click the VPN connection that you want to use; then click "Connect".

Step 4. Once the connection is established, you receive a confirmation from your PC. Close the Settings window. Now you can use your VPN connection when needed.

Conclusion

After showing the 3 methods above, you must have known how to access a server from outside the network. Remote Desktop is a good way but it needs port forwarding, which makes the remote connection more difficult. VPN is secure and fast, but it’s unstable sometimes and it requires license purchase. Therefore, we think the best choice for you is AnyViewer, which can help you to remotely access anywhere and anytime.