Remote Access Services (RAS) refers to any combination of hardware and software to enable remote access tools or information that are typically found on an IT device network.
Definition
Using RAS, the client connects to the host computer, known as the remote access server. The most common approach is to remotely control a computer using another device that needs the Internet or any other network connection.
Connection Steps:
- The user dials a number on a PC in the office.
- Then the office PC is registered on the file server, where the necessary information is stored.
- The remote PC controls the monitor and keyboard of the office PC, allowing the remote user to view and process information, execute commands, and share files.
Many computer manufacturers and help desks of large enterprises widely use this service for technical troubleshooting of their customers. Therefore, you can find various professional, third-party, open-source and free remote desktop applications. Some of them are cross-platform software solutions for different versions of Windows, MacOS, UNIX and Linux. Remote desktop programs may include LogMeIn or TeamViewer.
Microsoft Remote Access Server (RAS) is the predecessor of Microsoft Routing and Remote Access Server (RRAS). RRAS is a Microsoft Windows Server feature that allows Microsoft Windows clients to remotely access a Microsoft Windows network.
History
The term "remote server" was originally created by Microsoft when referring to their built-in remote access tools Windows NT. RAS is a service provided by Windows NT. The service includes dialup and logon support, presents the same network interface as regular network drivers (albeit a bit slower). RAS works with several major network protocols, including TCP / IP, IPX, and NBF. There is no need to run Windows NT on the client - there are client versions for other Windows operating systems. RAS allows users to register on an NT local area network using a modem, X.25 connection, or WAN.
Since the mid-1990s, some manufacturers, such as US Robotics, have released modem terminal servers. Instead of RS-232 ports, they will directly include an analog modem. These devices were commonly used by Internet service providers to enable dial-up connections.
Modern versions support the ISDN PRI interface instead of analog modem ports.
Remote Server Error
Remote access is the ability to access a computer or network from a remote distance. Home users access the Internet through remote access to the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Dial-up connection via a desktop computer, laptop or Pocket PC modem via regular telephone lines is a common method of remote access.
Specification
Remote access is also possible using a dedicated line between a computer or a remote LAN and a central or primary corporate LAN. A dedicated line is more expensive and less flexible, but provides faster data transfer rates. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a common branch office remote access method because it combines dial-up access with faster data transfer speeds. Wireless, cable modem, and digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies offer other remote access features.
Description
A remote access server is a computer and related software designed for remote access of users to a network. Sometimes referred to as a communications server, a remote access server typically includes or is connected to a security firewall and a router that can forward a remote access request to another part of the corporate network.
The remote access server can enable or operate the modem pool manager, so that a small group of them can be divided between a large number of periodically present remote access users.
The remote access server can also be used as part of a virtual private network (VPN).
How to connect to a remote server?
To access the desktop on a server hosted on the Internet, Microsoft created a feature known as Remote Desktop.
Settings for Windows:
- Click the start button.
- Click Run.
- Type “mstsc” and press the “Enter” key.
- Enter the IP address of your private server.
- Click Connect.
If all goes well, you will see a prompt to log into Windows.
Settings for Linux with RDesktop:
- Open a shell using xterm.
- Type “rdesktop” at the command prompt to find out if rdesktop is installed.
- If installed, continue. Otherwise, you will need to install the package for your Linux.
- Type “rdesktop” followed by the IP address of your server. Then press Enter.
Example: $ rdesktop 72.52.246.40
If all goes well, you will see a prompt to log into Windows.
Mac OS X settings will be as follows. Use Microsoft Remote Desktop (Mac OS X 10.9 and later): Install it from the Mac app store.
Click the Create button or use the keyboard shortcut Command + N to configure a connection to your server with the following settings:
- MacRDPSetup.
- PC name: you can use the IP address of your Internet server or its name (if the host name has an appropriate DNS record and is resolved).
- Username: Use “Administrator” to access the administrator account.
- Password: enter the administrator password.
Adjust the screen settings in full screen on multiple monitors as you wish. After you fill in the appropriate settings, close the "Edit Remote Desktops" window.
Select your connection in the "My Desktop Computers" section and click the "Start" button in the menu to connect (or simply press the return key on the keyboard).
Technical details
If the remote server name uses a self-signed SSL certificate, a message will be displayed as the remote desktop is negotiating credentials. You can either click “Continue” to continue the connection, or to permanently save the certificate and connect directly in the future, click “Show certificate” and then select the “Always trust ...” check box before clicking “Continue."
When you open the application, you will be asked to specify the “Computer:” to which you want to connect. You can enter the host name or IP address of the private server.
After clicking the “Connect” button, the client will request a username and password. If the connection fails to connect, try again in the remote connection window.
You can change other settings in this window. When you are done making changes, press the enter / return key on your keyboard or just close the window for the new server.
Your new profile will appear in the list on the left side of the application. Double click on it and you will start the connection.