> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ngrok.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Device Gateway Overview

> Use ngrok to securely connect to devices deployed in remote networks without firewall changes, VPNs, or open ports.

ngrok makes it easy to [securely connect to devices](https://ngrok.com/use-cases/device-gateway) deployed in remote networks.
Whether you need to reach a sensor behind a firewall, provide remote admin access to a kiosk, or connect your cloud to thousands of field-deployed devices, ngrok gives every device a secure, addressable endpoint.
No firewall changes, VPNs, or open ports required.

## Why use ngrok as a device gateway?

* **Every device gets a URL:** Each device becomes addressable by your cloud, technicians, and customers without touching the remote network.
* **Policy lives in the cloud:** Update access controls, authentication, and rate limits without firmware pushes or truck rolls.
* **No VPN required:** Unlike a VPN, the ngrok agent connects outbound on port 443 and scopes access to specific services—not entire networks. No inbound ports, firewall rules, or network reconfiguration needed on the remote network.
* **API-compatible:** Every feature and function is available via [the ngrok http API](/api/) so you can manage your entire fleet programmatically.
* **Pay only for what you use:** On [Pay-as-you-go](/pricing-limits/#pay-as-you-go-faqs) plans, billing is per active endpoint hour. Spin endpoints up and down via API for security reasons, not cost ones.

Still curious? [Read the FAQ](/guides/device-gateway/faq).

## Use cases

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Remote access" icon="terminal" href="/guides/device-gateway/remote-access">
    Give technicians and end users SSH, RDP, or web access to devices in the field
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cloud-to-device" icon="cloud" href="/guides/device-gateway/cloud-to-device">
    Connect your cloud services to device APIs and databases behind remote networks
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fleet management" icon="server" href="/guides/device-gateway/fleet-management">
    Manage credentials, multi-tenancy, and observability across thousands of devices
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## The ngrok platform

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Secure tunnels" icon="lock" href="/guides/device-gateway/tunnels">
    Learn how ngrok creates outbound-only encrypted tunnels from devices to the cloud
  </Card>

  <Card title="Traffic Policy" icon="shield-halved" href="/guides/device-gateway/traffic-policy">
    Authenticate, rate limit, and control access at ngrok's edge before traffic reaches your devices
  </Card>

  <Card title="Security" icon="network-wired" href="/guides/device-gateway/security">
    Manage credentials, IP restrictions, mTLS, and compliance across your fleet
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/guides/device-gateway/quickstart">
    Get a device reachable from the internet in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Full walkthrough" icon="book" href="/guides/device-gateway/agent">
    Follow a detailed example scenario configuring a smart factory with ngrok
  </Card>
</CardGroup>