Remote access is a method of establishing a connection through the server and extends the ability to access the network. It allows the user to manage and view the system to troubleshoot any error or requirement when physically unable to connect. In other words, the user can access the system via an internet connection or telecommunication method.
IT workers and company executives travelling to a different location can access computer networks using remote access control.
How Does Remote Access Work?
A remote access connection gives users the power to connect to a private network from a different location. Both users must be connected to the same network.
Once both are connected to the remote access network, a protocol is managed by accessing software interfaces that user’s device with another user’s device. The protocol gives a device the ability to access the functions of the target computer or server. This allows the controlling user to manipulate the target device with their keyboard, trackpad, touchscreen or mouse.
What Is Remote Access Used For?
Some of the most common applications for remote access are:
- Increasing Efficiency
Individual users can take advantage of remote desktop access to easily view and edit their files as if they were sitting in their office. This helps increase productivity when an employee is travelling or needs to work from home. Programs like Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive are some of the most common platforms that allow employees to access and edit their documents outside of the local area network. - Ensuring Collaboration Between Distributed Teams
A company may have its headquarters in Istanbul as well as offices in Izmir, Ankara or Bursa. Keeping teams aligned is no easy task when offices are divided into regions or cities. This is where remote access comes into play. It helps facilitate employee-employee relationships through screen sharing for remote access, training, and large team meetings. - Providing Technical Support
This item is perhaps the most common remote access application for IT professionals. Leveraging powerful remote access software, IT managers and teams ensure that employees, wherever they are; It has the authority to directly control all its equipment, including the desktop, mouse, keyboard and everything else. When an issue arises, such as an app that won’t open or a document that refuses to download, IT teams can easily connect to users’ computers to troubleshoot.
How is Remote Access Provided?
Below we have listed a few of the most common ways to gain remote access for you:
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs allow remote workers to route their online activities through a secure server that can connect them directly to their company’s network. These systems encrypt the data sent over the network and make it unreadable even to those who can access the network. - Virtual Network Computing (VNC)
VNC is a form of graphical screen sharing used to view and control another computer’s desktop. This is accomplished using the Remote Frame buffer protocol over a network connection. A viewer is installed on the client and connected to the server (remote workstation). VNC is usually executed over a VPN. - Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
RDP is a proprietary Microsoft protocol used to provide remote connectivity, but there are versions for macOS, Linux, and other operating systems as well. In some cases, software companies may even have their own proprietary protocols. RDP allows the server to listen on TCP port 3389 and UDP port 3389 and confirms the connection when a request is made. - Internet Proxy Servers
Internet proxy servers are used to facilitate a connection outside of a corporate network or firewall. While this option is effective when it comes to creating external connections, the remote access connection is usually made over a secure VPN.
How to Make a Secure Remote Desktop Connection?
A remote desktop connection is a client application that uses the remote desktop protocol to log on to remote computers. The remote desktop protocol provides a graphical user interface for users to remotely connect to another computer over a network connection. Developed by Microsoft.
By default, remote desktop connection in Windows only works on the local network. To use RDC over the internet you need forward ports on the router and RDC is 3389 by default.
When you establish a remote desktop connection over the Internet, there are many vulnerabilities that affect the security of your connection.