IT Course Computer Systems and Networks 004_Remote Access and Management

Remote Access

The vast majority of servers are deployed in dedicated data centers or the cloud, where administrators cannot physically access the server location for management and operations. This requires servers to enable remote access services, allowing administrators and users to access server resources such as files, databases, and applications from anywhere with an internet connection. This remote access can be achieved through different protocols and tools for configuring, monitoring, maintaining, and operating servers.

Here are some common server remote access methods:

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol):

RDP is a protocol developed by Microsoft for connecting to remote computers over a network. RDP provides complete desktop sessions, allowing users to use remote computers as if they were local, primarily used for Windows systems.

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rdp://[IP address or domain]/[port]
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rdp://192.168.1.100:3389

VNC (Virtual Network Computing):

VNC is an open-source protocol for connecting to remote computers over a network. VNC provides graphical interface sessions, allowing users to view and control remote computer screens, supporting Windows, Linux, Mac, and other operating systems.

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vnc://[IP address or domain]:[port]
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vnc://192.168.1.100:5900

SSH (Secure Shell):

SSH is a secure protocol for connecting to remote computers over a network. SSH provides secure command-line sessions, allowing users to use the remote computer’s command line as if they were local.

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ssh [username]@[IP address or domain]
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ssh user@192.168.1.100
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ssh user@192.168.1.100 -2200 //custom port

Remote Management Software:

Many third-party remote access software options are available, such as TeamViewer, Sunflower, ToDesk, and AnyDesk. These software provide various features like file sharing, screen sharing, and remote control.

Feature/Protocol	RDP	VNC	SSH
Security	Supports encryption, provides secure remote connections.	Native connections usually unencrypted, but encryption options available.	Provides strong encryption and authentication.
Performance	Good performance on Windows systems, especially on LANs.	Affected by network conditions, some variants offer compression.	Primarily for command line, poor graphical interface support.
Platform Compatibility	Primarily compatible with Windows systems.	Cross-platform, supports multiple operating systems.	Universal protocol, runs on multiple operating systems.
Use Cases	Remote desktop management and support for Windows systems.	Cross-platform file transfer and remote desktop sharing.	Remote command-line access and secure remote connections.

Others (Remote File Transfer Protocols):

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A simple protocol for transferring files between computers. FTP transmits usernames, passwords, and data in plain text, making it vulnerable to attacks.
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): The secure version of FTP, using the SSH protocol to encrypt usernames, passwords, and data.

Feature	FTP	SFTP
Security	Insecure	Secure
Efficiency	Affected by network connection	Comparable to FTP
Complexity	Simple	Complex
Wide Support	Widely supported	Less widely supported than FTP

Links:

RDP - Windows: Microsoft Store Windows 64-bit Windows 32-bit Windows ARM64

RDP - MacOS: Mac App Store Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac

VNC: TigerVNC (Open Source) RealVNC UltraVNC

FTP: FileZilla