Use SPX with https protocol

Originally SPX was designed for local, on-site installation and usage, but more and more production is done via the cloud where a secure data transfer and the use of https protocol is a must.

Locally running SPX Server instance is typically at http://localhost:5656 and it cannot be accessed with https protocol directly.

For this there are third party services that can create a public, secure SSL tunnel to a locally running http application

• ngrok (https://ngrok.com/)
• pinggy (https://pinggy.io/)

In this article we will be using Pinggy. You can set it up for testing on their website very fast without installing or using a credit card. For production you should set up an account and pay a small monthly fee, for permanent addresses and for removing their 60 minute time limit.

• Go to pinggy.io
• Click try it for free
• Use the settings
• Node.js
• npx http-server
• local port 5656
• These will create a command:
  

• Copy the above command
• On your computer open Command Prompt (win) or Terminal (mac)
• Paste the command and <enter>
• Answer "yes" to accept the creation of the tunnel
• Once completed pinggy will give you public URLs for http and https protocols.
• Use the pinggy URL instead of the normal <host>:<port> given by SPX to access the user interface and for SPX API endpoints
• Please keep the terminal / console window for the duration of the session. If closed the tunnel will be terminated.
  
  

Remember, by default the connection has a 60-minute time limit. Register on the website for the uninterrupted tunnel for production.

Cloud environments and virtual machines have various tools and systems for maintaining SSL-sertificates and for secure connections. Consult the documentation of your platform or contact us for managed SPX Cloud instances.