We tried it both ways. we like the fan and filter outside the tent. the fan rests in a tote full of insulation to keep the noise down, the filter is attached to the exhaust side of the fan. a short piece of ducting wrapped in foam and tape connects the intake side of the fan to the top hole in the tent.
this gives more room for plants,lights etc. and gets that heavy ass fan and carbon filter weight off your tent frame members.
the addition of a ona block and maybe even ozone are a good idea if security is a big concern.