How to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely

This article acts as a tutorial on how to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely. Requirements are very basic; all you need is an internet connection and Ubuntu OS installed on your device. In this tutorial we create an Ip table rule, configure remote access privileges in PuTTy, and then log in remotely to Ozeki SMS Gateway. You will also learn how to change the admin password. We hope this guide will be helpful to you. Now let's get started.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a free desktop operating system. It's based on Linux, a massive project that enables user around the world to run machines powered by free and open software on all kinds of devices. Ubuntu is considered a good distribution for beginners. The operating system was intended primarily for personal computers (PCs) but it can also be used on servers.

What is Ozeki SMS Gateway?

Ozeki SMS Gateway is a powerful SMS Gateway software you can download and install on your Windows or Linux computer or to your Android mobile phone. It provides an HTTP SMS API, that allows you to connect to it from local or remote programs. The reason why companies use Ozeki SMS Gateway as their first point of access to the mobile network, is because it provides service provider independence. When you use Ozeki, the SMS contact lists and sms data is safe, because Ozeki is installed in their own computer (physical or virtual), and Ozeki provides direct access to the mobile network through wireless connections.

How to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely (video tutorial)

This video tutorial demonstrates how to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely. First you need to open the Ubuntu terminal and create an Ip table rule. Then, configure remote access settings in PuTTy and log in. Finally, you're able to remotely access Ozeki SMS Gateway.

Video 1 - How to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely (Video tutorial)

Create IP table rule

To create an IP table rule, you first need to open the Ubuntu terminal (Figure 1). Type the following commands and hit enter. Now type in your password and hit enter. This will create the IP table rule. Now you can move on to configuring remote access for Ozeki SMS Gateway.

create ip table rule
Figure 1 - Create IP table rule

Remote access not allowed

If you try to access Ozeki SMS Gateway remotely without any preparation, it will not let you. A Remote access does not allow the message to appear, indicating that your device is not yet eligible to access Ozeki SMS Gateway yet (Figure 2).

remote access not allowed
Figure 2 - Remote access not allowed

Add new SSH tunnel forwarded ports

In order to access Ozeki SMS Gateway remotely, you need to add new SSH tunnel forwarded ports. This process is done in PuTTy. Start by opening PuTTy (Figure 3). Open SSH inside the menu on the left by clicking on the + SSH. From SSH click on Tunnels. Enter your Port next to Source port, then enter your Ip address next to destination. Click on Add to add these settings.

add new ssh tunnel forwarded ports
Figure 3 - Add new SSH tunnel forwarded ports

Open SSH connection

After adding the address, you need to open the SSH connection. Click on Session in the menu on the right (Figure 4). Enter your Ip address into the menu on top. (In our case this is 192.168.0.166) Click on Open to connect.

open ssh connection
Figure 4 - Open SSH connection

Login to remote PC

After you clicked Open in PuTTy, a new terminal window will pop up (Figure 5). First you need to type in your username and hit enter. Then you need to enter your password. After you provided your login details you will be logged in to the remote pc.

login to remote pc
Figure 5 - Login to remote PC

Open SMS Gateway in browser

When all configurations are set up, you may now open Ozeki SMS Gateway in your browser (Figure 6).

open sms gateway in borwser
Figure 6 - Open SMS Gateway in browser

Open change password menu

In order to change your password, you first need to go to the Ozeki Desktop (Figure 7). Click on Start, then Help, and Change password.

open change password menu
Figure 7 - Open change password menu

Change admin password

On this screen you are able to change the admin password (Figure 8). Type the new password into both textboxes. Click Save to save the new admin password.

change admin password
Figure 8 - Change admin password

Login remotely

You can now log in remotely to Ozeki SMS Gateway from your browser (Figure 9).

login remotely
Figure 9 - Login remotely

Summary

If you have followed along all the steps in this tutorial, you will have already completed the task by this point. Everything is now set up for you to be able to log into Ozeki SMS Gateway remotely. Thank you for your attention, and make sure to check out our other guides for more information on Ozeki SMS Gateway. Our software has various other incredibly useful solutions and multi-platform versions for the easiest possible accessibility.

FAQs

What kind of communication ports and protocols are used? Should I open any ports on my firewall?

Ozeki SMS Gateway utilizes TCP ports 9500-9503 for communication.

  • TCP Port 9500 (protocol SMPP), provides SMPP client connectivity
  • TCP Port 9501 (protocol HTTP), is used for Administration (HTTP interface for web browsers)
  • TCP Port 9502 (protocol TCP/HTTP), is used by .NET Remoting client connectivity
  • TCP Port 9503 (protocol HTTP), is used by ParlayX webservice client connectivity

Does the SMS gateway require a fixed IP address or is there any way dynamic address can be used and how?

The need for a fixed IP address for your Ozeki SMS Gateway depends on the chosen method for integrating SMS functionality into your website. Here's a breakdown of the three popular methods and their IP address requirements:

1. SQL to SMS Gateway Configuration:

  • Ideal for: Websites with databases. Functionality: Ozeki connects to your website's database to enable sending and/or receiving SMS messages directly.
  • IP Address Requirement: No fixed IP address required.
2. HTTPClient User:
  • Functionality: Incoming SMS messages are forwarded to your website via a predefined URL. Ozeki can periodically download a webpage to check for outgoing messages.
  • IP Address Requirement: No fixed IP address required.
3. HTTP Server with SMS API:
  • Functionality: Websites can send SMS messages through HTTP requests using Ozeki's built-in HTTP SMS API.
  • IP Address Requirement: Fixed IP address required if using the API over the internet.
In summary, if your website integration method doesn't involve sending SMS messages through Ozeki's HTTP SMS API over the internet, you won't need a fixed IP address for the SMS Gateway.

Ozeki SMS Gateway uses the http://127.0.0.1:9501 address. Can I change this to my IP address?

Yes, you can change the 127.0.0.1 to point to your LAN or public IP address.

The IP address 127.0.0.1:9501 you encountered refers to your computer's local loopback address. This address always points back to the machine you're currently using. Every computer has two relevant IP addresses:

  • Local Loopback Address (127.0.0.1): This internal address allows software to communicate with itself on the same machine.
  • Public IP Address: This unique address identifies your computer on the broader internet.
The good news is that you can access your Ozeki SMS Gateway service using both these IP addresses, assuming it's installed on your local computer. Here's how:
  • Using the Local Loopback Address: This method works because you're directly accessing the software on the same machine. You can use http://127.0.0.1:9501 in your web browser to reach the Ozeki interface.
  • Using the Public IP Address (if applicable): If your computer has a public IP address (often the case for directly connected home internet users), you can access Ozeki remotely from another device on the same network. Simply replace 127.0.0.1 with your computer's public IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:9501) in the browser address bar.
Important Note: Exposing Ozeki to the public internet through your computer's public IP address might require additional security measures like firewalls and proper configuration. It's generally recommended to access Ozeki locally using 127.0.0.1 unless you have a specific need for remote access.

Is it possible to reach Ozeki SMS Gateway from the Internet?

By enabling port forwarding on your router, you can access Ozeki SMS Gateway on your computer even if you're outside your local network. Port forwarding directs external traffic on a specific port (in this case, 9501) to the computer running Ozeki NG SMS Gateway within your network.

Can I configure Ozeki SMS gateway Without Internet? How is it working?

On your local network, any computer can access Ozeki SMS Gateway. Just open a web browser and enter the IP address of the Ozeki SMS Gateway followed by the port number 9501 (like this: IP_ADDRESS:9501). After installation, you can manage users and service provider connections easily. (Remember to replace IP_ADDRESS with the actual IP address of your Ozeki SMS Gateway).

More information