Hi all. Noob question/s here. I want to be able to access my Immich server (docker) externally and maybe set up some others (e.g. Mealio). My understanding is that I need (should) use NGINX reverse proxy for this. My questions are:
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Do I need to set up NGINX on a VPS (or similar cloud based server) to send the queries to my home box?
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Do I need to purchase a domain (randomblahblah.xyz) to use as the main access route from outside my house?
Thanks a lot.
No, and no.
Having your own domain can make it easier to route traffic and control your subdomains, but it’s not necessary.
Nginx isn’t technically required either, but can make it easier and more secure. Easier especially with multiple services.
Eg. I have a lemmy at home, and a voyager at home. Nginx takes all https traffic on port 443 and then forwards as appropriate to the back end service on the correct ports. It also handles the TLS termination so your traffic is externally encrypted.
The nginx can run in a docket at home too though.
Personally I have my own domain and use ddclient to update Cloudflare where I’m hosting DNS to keep my external host names up to date in case of IP changes, but there are also dynamic dns services that do the same.
To get TLS it’s easier your own domain though given how validation can be through DNS record changes.
Basically, there are many ways to achieve what you want.