How to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely with SSH port forwarding

This article is a detailed guide on how to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely with SSH port forwarding. 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 Windows PowerShell, 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 SSH port forwarding?

SSH tunneling, or SSH port forwarding, is a method of transporting arbitrary data over an encrypted SSH connection. SSH tunnels allow connections made to a local port (that is, to a port on your own desktop) to be forwarded to a remote machine via a secure channel.

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 virutal), and Ozeki provides direct access to the mobile network through wireless connections.

How to access the Ozeki SMS Gateway GUI remotely with SSH port forwarding (video tutorial)

In this video tutorial you will learn 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 Windows PowerShell and log in. Finally, you're able to remotely access Ozeki SMS Gateway 

sudo iptables -I INPUT -p tcp --dport 9515 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -I INPUT -p tcp --dport 9516 -j ACCEPT

Create IP table rule

In order to o 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 not allow message will 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

Open SSH tunnel

The next step in enabling remote access, is opening an SSH tunnel. Open Windows PowerShell and enter the following command: "ssh -L 127.0.0.1:9300:remote_ip:9515 user@remote_ip". This will open an SSH tunnel. Now you may move on to logging into Ozeki SMS Gateway.

open ssh tunnel
Figure 3 - Open SSH tunnel

ssh -L 127.0.0.1:9300:remote_ip:9515 user@remote_ip

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 browser
Figure 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - Change admin password

Login remotely

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

login remotely
Figure 7 - 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.

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