Expose Your Local MariaDB to the Internet with cpolar and Navicat

1. Configure MariaDB Database

1.1 Install MariaDB

Download the Windows version of MariaDB from the official website https://mariadb.com/downloads/community/ and run the installer. During installation set a password, and if MySQL already occupies the default port, change MariaDB’s port or uninstall MySQL.

After installation, a password‑setting screen appears. Adjust the port if necessary.

1.2 Test LAN Remote Connection

Use Navicat to test the local connection. If the test succeeds, the LAN connection is working.

LAN connection test successful.

2. Intranet Penetration (Port Forwarding)

To make the database accessible from the public internet, use cpolar to create a TCP tunnel that maps the local MariaDB port to a public address.

2.1 Create Tunnel Mapping

cpolar website: https://www.cpolar.com/

Download the Windows installer from the cpolar website and install it with default settings.

Start cpolar (or open http://127.0.0.1:9200) and log in with your cpolar account. If you do not have an account, register for a free one on the cpolar website.

After logging in, go to the Dashboard → Tunnel Management → Create Tunnel and set up a TCP tunnel pointing to the local port 3306.

Tunnel name: any unique name

Protocol: tcp

Local address: 3306

Domain type: free random domain

Region: default China top

Click “Create”.

After creation, the tunnel list shows a generated public address. Copy this address.

2.2 Test Random Public Address Remote Access

Open Navicat, enter the public TCP address (e.g., 3.tcp.cpolar.top) and port 11241, then test the connection. A successful test confirms remote access.

3. Configure Fixed TCP Port Address

The random tunnel address changes every 24 hours. To obtain a stable address, reserve a fixed TCP port (requires a professional cpolar plan).

Note: Configuring a fixed TCP port address requires upgrading cpolar to a professional‑level subscription.

3.1 Reserve a Fixed Public TCP Port Address

Log in to the cpolar web console, go to “Reserve”, choose “TCP address”, select the “China VIP” region, and add a description.

Region: China VIP

Description: custom remark

Click “Reserve”.

After reservation, a fixed public address is generated. Copy it for later use.

3.2 Configure Fixed Public TCP Port Address

Visit the cpolar dashboard at http://127.0.0.1:9200, open Tunnel Management → Tunnel List, locate the MariaDB tunnel, and click “Edit”.

Change the tunnel type to “Fixed TCP Port” and paste the reserved TCP address.

Port type: Fixed TCP port

Reserved TCP address: (paste the address)

Click “Update”.

After updating, the tunnel list shows the new fixed public address.

3.3 Test Fixed Public Address Remote Access

Open Navicat again and connect using the fixed TCP address. The connection should succeed, confirming stable remote access to the MariaDB instance.