Home Server w/ Web Based Remote File Access Capability

[ragingwhisky]

Hopefully i'm not way off base in asking for advice on this:

So that time has come again to 'dust off' and upgrade some old server hardware, and its come to my attention that it might be a bit more ticky than a simple "buy newer stuff".

 

TL;DR: Can anyone recommend a good alternative to the now deprecated Microsoft Windows Remote Web Access capability to present and remotely (internet) access a Web browser session to access authorised file shares?

 

Where I am currently:

At present i'm running an HPE Microserver Gen10, running Windows Server 2016 Essentials (don't laugh)

• Running the main Windows OS off an SSD squirrelled into the case
• AMD Opteron X3216 (2 core / not exactly breaking records)
• 8GB Ram
• 26TB worth of storage hosting a variety of VM, Work and family content.
• Primary use case here for essentials was the "numpty friendly" provisioning of Microsofts Remote Web Access feature.
• Remote Web Access is used exclusively for Web based remote access to designated shared content on the server
  • Inc. access by a select few family members, where access strictly controlled via folder privilege assignment.
• The ability to host content locally (i.e. no OneDrive/Google/A.N.other cloud provider storage) is vitally important, so i'm aware that hosting xxTB's within a private set-up is always a risk, but accepted for the purpose.

Where I'd like to get to:

With Microsoft deprecating the Windows Server Essentials capability in WS2019+ (i am aware it can be 'fudged' back on but unfortunately not long term supported), the ideal scenario would be knowing "what alternative capability is realistic/feasible" to provide "Web browser, remote access" equivalent capability without having to crack open the mig-welder and duct-tape

• Likely to purchase a tower server with an upgraded config set - 6c/12t+ so as not to cause the box to struggle as it does previously (not quite at rack stage ...though one day i'll take that on! ;) )
• Ideally running Windows Server as the base OS w/ HyperV enabled (GPU passthrough not really an issue - so running this as the base hypervisor is just easier for my daily workflow as i'm a creature of habit
• Be great to either have the options to:
  • Host software on the Windows Server install at source (native capability to replace that provided by Microsoft historically)
  • OR more likely, practical
  • Host a VM running off a dedicated NIC on the server back to the network that hosts <magic bullet setup>
    • This setup might be TrueNAS (Core or otherwise) or a Nix build with specific components setup to provide the equivalent capability to remote web access to the file shares
  • Ideally all user remote access conform to TLS1.2 (min) / Active Directory controlled (again for ease of setup as its what i'm used to)
  • Only present folders from the drives that have been designated per access control configuration
  • I don't have fixed IP at home, so will need some dynamic dns setup
  • VPN connectivity is not ideal (family users - simpler the better) sp web based file/folder access preferred.

Figured many smarter individuals than myself have dealt with this kind of setup in their sleep, so advice very much welcome!

 

Cheers.

 

 

 

[TargetDron3]

setup OpenVPN and use a VPN connection from external to the network.

 

 

[ragingwhisky]

35 minutes ago, TargetDron3 said:

setup OpenVPN and use a VPN connection from external to the network.

 

 

Ideally avoid VPN solutions for this capability - already got openvpn setup for a segregated network, but for this purpose web-based is the (hopeful) target.