I’m setting up an SMTP server in a cloud (Google) where email ports are blocked (outgoing traffic for sure, maybe both). Normally, I’d set up a smart host at another provider on a custom port. It works, but considering the number of emails to send and the budget of the project, I can’t justify the cost.
Since all I need is an IP address that allows traffic on SMTP port, a network-based solution would cost ten times less than a smart host. The idea is that:
1. When the SMTP server sends an email, it connects to the external server on a custom port. The external server connects the destination host.
2. The incoming SMTP connections go to the external server that forwards them to the SMTP server on a custom port (or another way).
I’m not a network expert but I’m also not asking for a detailed guide. Initial hints would be great. Should I go for VPN or port forwarding (in both directions) or something else?
Since all I need is an IP address that allows traffic on SMTP port, a network-based solution would cost ten times less than a smart host. The idea is that:
1. When the SMTP server sends an email, it connects to the external server on a custom port. The external server connects the destination host.
2. The incoming SMTP connections go to the external server that forwards them to the SMTP server on a custom port (or another way).
I’m not a network expert but I’m also not asking for a detailed guide. Initial hints would be great. Should I go for VPN or port forwarding (in both directions) or something else?