SQL Server Replication across firewall - Database Administrators Stack Exchange

we set replication between 2 sql server 2012 instances.

server "internal" can see , make connections server "external". external firewalled internal network. no inbound connections allowed on port.

we want set transactional replication internal external read-only copy on server external. when configuring external subscriber, wants connect publisher cannot do.

all searching leads me articles on ports forward not going work us. want have internal initiate connection , push updates copy on external. until have been using ssis packages push data it's starting border on unmanageable.

the subscriber has connect publisher details going replicated. can set distributer, middle-man if will, external has access to. however, not know if @ all.

internal publisher --> intermediate distributor --> external subscriber