Remote Access
This document is intended to highlight a number of common Remote Access options that can be utilized by Inforalgo Support, the methods discussed are Network Connectivity – how connections can be made to a client network, Network Security – how communications can be secured, and Terminal Emulation – how access can be made to Servers and Workstations on the client network.
Inforalgo Support is not limited to these options and can accommodate any Remote Access solution provided by the client although we recommend any of the following options.
Network Connectivity
Dial Up Connection (RAS) – This is the most basic connection available when connecting to a client network. A modem would be used at Inforalgo to dial a modem on the clients network from here Inforalgo Support can then either Telnet to Unix Servers or Map Network Drives to Microsoft Windows Servers. This only provides basic options for Windows based client unless this was used in conjunction with Terminal Emulation software was used in order to allow full remote control access.
The maximum connection speed possible would be 56Kbps. The client can specify a username and password for the dial up networking connection. A further username and password can also be used for the login on the UNIX machines or Windows shared directory.
For added Security the client can take advantage of a Windows feature called “Call Back” this would allow Inforalgo to connect to the client with a username and password, once authenticated the clients modem would drop the connection and call Inforalgo Support back on a pre-determined telephone number at the Inforalgo offices.
EG. RAS Connection
Virtual Private Network (VPN) – This type off connection is becoming more common as high speed network connections can be made across the world quickly and securely. Depending upon the bandwidth available, Inforalgo Support can connect to the client network at 256Kbps using Inforalgo’s dedicated Leased Line.
The client requires either a software or hardware based Virtual Private Network Solution to enable Inforalgo to connect over the Internet to the client network. Inforalgo Support has experience with the following VPN Solutions.
• Nortel Extranet Access - www.nortelnetworks.com
• Cisco Systems VPN - www.cisco.com
• Check Point SecuRemote (VPN-1) - www.checkpoint.com
• Microsoft VPN - www.microsoft.com
EG. VPN Network
ISDN – This type of connection is very secure, slightly quicker than a 56K modem but tends to be complicated and expensive to set up. It allows the connection to use a number of different security protocols such as chap when connecting between two networks – this is more secure than a standard RAS Connection. In order to make the connection to a clients network an ISDN Router and an ISDN Line will be required at both the Inforalgo and Client sites, the initial cost of this equipment can be expensive.
The maximum bandwidth speed would be 128K if both digital channels are used, this would involve making two phone calls to a compatible ISDN Router, Inforalgo would only normally use one channel with a maximum speed of 64K.
EG. ISDN Connection
Network Security
The Dial Up and Virtual Private Network connections offer username and password authentication to the client’s network. 3rd Party Remote Access Specialists like RSA Security can provide further user authentication.
The solution offered enables each end user to be assigned an RSA SecurID authenticator that generates a new, unpredictable code every 60 seconds. The user combines this number with a secret PIN to log into the network Each authenticator has a unique 64-bit symmetric key that is combined with a powerful algorithm to generate a new code every 60 seconds. Only the RSA ACE/Server software (installed at the client’s site) knows which 6-8 digit numbers is valid at that moment in time for that user/authenticator combination.
Terminal Emulation
Inforalgo Support have the ability to use a number of different terminal emulation programs to access client workstations and servers once connected to the network. The most common 3rd Party Software Products are:
Symantec PC AnyWhere - www.symantec.com/pcanywhere
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) - www.realvnc.com
Microsoft Terminal Server Client - www.microsoft.com
Net Support Manager & PC Duo - www.netsupportmanager.co.uk
