[krankenator]

I'm trying to make a music server on my NAS but can't quite figure out how to do it.
I want to be able to access my music remotely over the internet, and also on my local area network. I can get the LAN part down with the software that came with it, but I can't get external access.

Also, I have a ROKU soundbridge I would like to read from the NAS so I can access my library without my computer.

I have: 15" macbook Pro running 10.5.1
Simple drive from SimpleTech

and a Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router

I am not using an Airport for this because I the iTunes Air Tunes doesn't do what I want it to and the Airport Express isn't 802.11-N and I would like my music library accessible without my computer (via the roku) and not on it.

I am thinking what I have to do is format my drive and install an os on it, but I'm not sure how I would set it up then.

[Cold Warrior]

you'll probably have to find out which ports it uses, then forward those ports from your router to your NAS. That way external access attempts will reach your NAS, which is on your LAN. I don't know if your NAS has some type of security features though, because you don't want the world's script kiddies accessing your storage.

Another option is VPN. If your router has VPN (or you'd like to upgrade to one that does), you could simply VPN to your LAN, then use the NAS as if you were on your LAN. This has the advantage of being secure.

[krankenator]

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior 

you'll probably have to find out which ports it uses, then forward those ports from your router to your NAS. That way external access attempts will reach your NAS, which is on your LAN. I don't know if your NAS has some type of security features though, because you don't want the world's script kiddies accessing your storage.

I know which ports it has and have opened them. It comes with a network software built in which made the set up easy, however it prevents me accessing it like a drive. Instead, it will only let me make "shared folders" and "web albums" to share photos. I just log into it like a server, which makes me think I have to format and start over. Probably then with some type of os which will allow me to run software like Firefly which creates the music server.

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior 

Another option is VPN. If your router has VPN (or you'd like to upgrade to one that does), you could simply VPN to your LAN, then use the NAS as if you were on your LAN. This has the advantage of being secure.

Well this VPN sounds like exactly what I need, so how would I do that? I don't have any experience with those.

[Cold Warrior]

You'll just need a VPN-capable router. They should all say it on the box or in the online product details.

Go to Help in OS X and type in 'VPN' for detailed steps to set up and use a VPN connection.