Information about Remote Network Access, VPN and Terminal Services.

Remote access is the ability to get access to a computer or a network from a remote distance. In corporations, people at branch offices, telecommuters, and people who are traveling may need access to the corporation's network. Home users get access to the Internet through remote access to an Internet service provider (ISP). Dial-up connection through desktop, notebook, or handheld computer modem over regular telephone lines is a common method of remote access. Remote access is also possible using a dedicated line between a computer or a remote local area network and the "central" or main corporate local area network. A dedicated line is more expensive and less flexible but offers faster data rates. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a common method of remote access from branch offices since it combines dial-up with faster data rates. Wireless, cable modem, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technologies offer other possibilities for remote access.

A remote access server is the computer and associated software that is set up to handle users seeking access to network remotely. Sometimes called a communication server, a remote access server usually includes or is associated with a firewall server to ensure security and a router that can forward the remote access request to another part of the corporate network. A remote access server may include or work with a modem pool manager so that a small group of modems can be shared among a large number of intermittently present remote access users.

VPN

There are two basic types of VPN networks:

Remote-access - Also called a virtual private dial-up network (VPDN), this is a user-to-LAN connection used by a company that has employees who need to connect to the private network from various remote locations. Typically, a corporation that wishes to set up a large remote-access VPN will outsource to an enterprise service provider (ESP). The ESP sets up a network access server (NAS) and provides the remote users with desktop client software for their computers. The telecommuters can then dial a toll-free number to reach the NAS and use their VPN client software to access the corporate network.
A good example of a company that needs a remote-access VPN would be a large firm with hundreds of sales people in the field. Remote-access VPNs permit secure, encrypted connections between a company's private network and remote users through a third-party service provider.

Site-to-site - Through the use of dedicated equipment and large-scale encryption, a company can connect multiple fixed sites over a public network such as the Internet. Site-to-site VPNs can be either:

Intranet-based - If a company has one or more remote locations that they wish to join in a single private network, they can create an intranet VPN to connect LAN to LAN.
Extranet-based - When a company has a close relationship with another company (for example, a partner, supplier or customer), they can build an extranet VPN that connects LAN to LAN, and that allows all of the various companies to work in a shared environment.

Microsoft Terminal Services

The Terminal Services component of the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server operating system can deliver the Windows 2000 desktop, as well as the latest Windows-based applications, to virtually any desktop computing device, including those that cannot run Windows. This lets more people in an organization take advantage of the resources provided by a distributed computing environment. Terminal Services can also be used to remotely administer a Windows 2000-based server
When a user runs an application on a Windows 2000-based terminal server, all of the application execution takes place on the server and only the keyboard, mouse and display information are transmitted over the network. Each user sees only their individual session, which is managed transparently by the server operating system and is independent of any other client session.
Terminal Services lets enterprises more easily and cost-efficiently accomplish the following goals:

Centrally deploy and manage Windows-based applications to virtually any type of client and over virtually any type of network connection - Organizations can use Terminal Services in Application Server mode to deliver Windows-based applications to heterogeneous desktop environments, over local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and dial-up connections. This is a cost-effective way to deploy line-of-business applications that are frequently updated, hard to install, or need to be accessed over low-bandwidth connections.

Using Terminal Services, companies can ensure that all clients are using current versions of an application because the software is installed once on a server, rather than on every desktop throughout the company. This model reduces the costs and challenge of updating desktop machines, especially for remotely located desktops or branch office environments. In addition, Terminal Services features such as Remote Control can simplify application support.

Phased hardware upgrades - By letting users access current applications on hardware that might otherwise be of little use, Terminal Services can help companies that are gradually replacing older machines.

Remote administration of Windows 2000-based servers - Using Terminal Services can give administrators greater flexibility and mobility. Administrators can securely manage their Windows 2000-based servers over any network connection from any device using the Terminal Services Client software. The client device does not need to be running Windows 2000 Professional. This lets an administrator perform tasks such as directory maintenance, virus scans, backups, reboots and even promote a server to be a domain controller—all from a remote location.

Citrix

Citrix Server-Based Computing (SBC) solutions enable organizations to run enterprise applications from a centralized server farm rather than on the desktop - no applications run on the desktop. It provides a centralized IT infrastructure that is easier to manage and supports enterprise business applications more effectively at lower cost. Organizations around the globe are using proven Citrix solutions to overcome the challenges of delivering the virtual workplace. Citrix application and portal server solutions enable organizations to leverage the Internet and deliver mission-critical applications.

Delivering uninterrupted, secure access to vital applications and information in a world that sees more and more information platforms, applications and devices every day. Computing environments are increasingly diverse. Systems from newly acquired companies must be integrated quickly.

Against this background, realizing the promise of a virtual workplace requires an infrastructure that adapts to change, supports mobile workforces, assures remote office connectivity and provides secure access to business-critical information and applications. Citrix connects from anywhere, on any device, over any connection.

Symantec pcAnywhere

Symantec pcAnywhere 10.5 supports all 32-bit Windows operating systems, including Windows XP. It's the #1 seller for fast, secure, and easy remote access. It lets you manage servers and provide helpdesk support remotely. It makes helpdesks more efficient and reduces call times by enabling helpdesk workers to take control of remote machines to resolve problems faster. With unparalleled security features, including increased authentication methods, mandatory passwords, serialization, integrity checking, and enhanced logging tools, Symantec pcAnywhere can be safely deployed in any environment. Administrators can create customized install sets whereby you can choose which components are installed, which settings can be modified by end-users, which pcAnywhere objects are included, and how the installation will look to the end-user. A Web deployment tool and documentation on other popular deployment methods are included.

If you work away from the office, Symantec pcAnywhere lets you connect to office PCs or servers in order to transfer files or run applications. Its optimized design ensures high performance at any connection speed, across a wide range of connection methods-including standard modems, ISDN lines, TCP/IP and SPX networks, cable, and infrared connections.