Is port forwarding and Dynamic DNS service suggested for VeraEdge w/DSL

Community Playground Getting Started & Initial Setup
1

I am a soon to be owner of a new Vera Edge. I have DSL at my house. I have spent hours reading up here on the forum and have learned a lot from you guys. I should have the controller tomorrow and will begin setting it up tomorrow evening.

I already have a Dynamic DNS account through DynDns as well as port forwarding setup for my Aquarium Controller. I was wondering if Port Forwarding is needed for MyVera access and control. Also wondering if Port Forwarding and DynDns service would be advisable. I would assume that by having port forwarding and DynDns setup, I could access my Vera Edge from anywhere without having to use the Cloud to access it which I could see being preferred especially when the Cloud site is down. Lastly, I am going to use HomeWave for my iPhone and iPad app. Would Port Fowarding and DynDns be of any benefit there as well?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2

As suggested by many on this forum in other threads asking the same question, it is highly advised that you do not use any port forwarding with vera. You are technically leaving your door open 24/7. It is recommended that you use some sort of secure tunnel (E.g a vpn, or ssh tunnel) to gain access to your vera. Setting this up is dependent on your setup and is beyond the scope of this forum. I suggest you search the Web for some solutions. Of course the easiest method is just to use Vera’s remote access.

  • Garrett
3

Short answer is that NO you do not need port forwarding to access and control your Vera device.

4

Do not port forward Vera. EVER!

If you must have internet access to Vera without Vera servers, you should establish a VPN connection through your firewall.

5

Thanks guys. I will stick to the Vera web portal for remote web access My searches here did yield the same info regarding security but since most of that info was somewhat old, I figured I would double check.