Secure Remote Access to Legacy Equipment on Closed Networks

Legacy devices still power critical infrastructure in industries ranging from manufacturing and utilities to research and retail. These systems often live behind closed networks, tucked away in hard-to-reach places with no public IP addresses, outdated interfaces, and no built-in remote access support.

So how do you connect to them securely, without relying on fragile VPNs, port forwarding, or expensive site visits?

Remote.It offers a modern solution: zero-config, encrypted remote access to legacy equipment—even when it’s behind CG-NAT, firewalls, or air-gapped networks.

The Reality of Legacy Equipment

Legacy systems weren’t designed for today’s connectivity expectations. Yet they remain indispensable.

You’ll find them in:

• Factory automation lines running on 20-year-old controllers
• Medical lab hardware with outdated software stacks
• Secure research environments with no internet exposure
• Field equipment relying on LTE or satellite backhaul

The problem? These devices often:

• Live behind firewalls or NATs with no port forwarding
• Lack modern agents or remote access protocols
• Can’t be upgraded or re-IP’d without risk

Getting access usually means sending someone onsite.

Why VPNs and Port Forwarding Aren't the Answer

Some teams attempt to solve this with VPNs, but that creates its own problems:

• Security risk: VPNs often expose entire networks if misconfigured
• Manual setup: VPN servers, keys, and firewall rules require ongoing maintenance
• Inflexibility: You still need to open ports, assign static IPs, or change router configs
• Scale issues: More devices = more overhead and complexity

And if you're dealing with LTE/5G networks using CG-NAT, even port forwarding isn't an option.

The Remote.It Approach: No Ports, No Public IPs, No Friction

Remote.It works differently. It lets you connect to any device, even legacy equipment, using an outbound-only connection from a companion device—no changes to the network required.

Key Benefits:

• Private by default: Devices are never exposed to the internet
• Encrypted tunnels: All traffic is secured end-to-end
• Outbound-only: Bypasses NAT, firewalls, and CG-NAT environments
• No router changes: Works without opening ports or assigning public IPs

You can securely reach equipment in the field or locked-down data centers without touching the existing network configuration.

Step-by-Step: Enable Remote Access for Legacy Devices

You don’t need to install Remote.It on the legacy device itself. Instead, use a companion device (like a Raspberry Pi, local PC, or thin client) to bridge the connection.

Here’s how:

1. Install Remote.It on the companion device
   • Works on Linux, Windows, macOS, or ARM-based boards
2. Connect to the legacy device
   • Use Ethernet, USB, RS-232/serial, or whatever interface the device supports
3. Register and configure Remote.It services
   • Add the service (e.g., SSH, VNC, HTTP) that gives you access to the legacy device
4. Connect remotely from anywhere
   • Use Remote.It’s desktop app, web portal, or CLI to establish an encrypted tunnel to the device
5. Done.
   • You now have full remote access with zero changes to firewalls or routing tables

Real-World Use Cases

Remote.It is already powering remote access in environments like:

• Manufacturing: Access legacy PLCs or control systems on the factory floor
• Utilities: Reach remote sensors, meters, and controllers without needing a truck roll
• Retail: Manage POS systems or kiosk hardware across distributed stores
• Healthcare: Connect to lab equipment in HIPAA-regulated environments securely

Whether it’s an oil field in Texas or a clean room in a lab, Remote.It provides secure access without increasing your attack surface.

Security and Compliance Without Complexity

Remote.It supports zero-trust networking principles:

• No public IP exposure
• Connection logs for auditability
• Granular access control via device sharing
• Session-based, time-limited access options

Because connections are outbound-only and encrypted, Remote.It fits seamlessly into high-compliance environments without opening up your network.

Conclusion

Legacy equipment doesn’t have to be a remote access dead-end. With Remote.It, you can:

• Avoid VPNs and eliminate public exposure
• Bypass CG-NAT and restrictive firewalls
• Securely support equipment from anywhere
• Reduce the need for expensive, time-consuming site visits

Modern connectivity shouldn’t be limited to modern devices. Remote.It brings secure, scalable remote access to your entire environment—past and present.

Ready to reach your hardest-to-access systems? Try Remote.It and connect anywhere, instantly.

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