Think back to the time when you needed an important file at work but it was resting peacefully on your computer back at your place. Such situations, though frustrating, happen more often than we are proud to admit. Don’t you wish that you had access to your device and network even if you were on the other end of the globe? Well, remote access allows you to do just that.
Table of Contents
What is remote access?
In simple words, remote access allows an individual to access another desktop, computing device, or network remotely. This grants complete control over all resources, including files and software, to the user.
Remote access, thus, allows us to utilize a computer that is not in our physical presence. This service is often utilized by employees. Especially after the pandemic forced us to go into lockdown and adopt the work-from-home model, it assisted employees to access their company’s network and resources. It can be applicable to local networks, and wide area networks.
How does remote access work?
To access any device remotely, it’s important to have remote access software installed. Extra points for a remote access VPN for added security. Such an application links a remote desktop to a host over the internet.
A stable internet connection is significant. Further, you wouldn’t need any additional hardware for the process. Remote access, be it desktop application or remote access VPN, effectively connects employees to a company’s network. This has allowed people to work remotely resulting in higher work efficiency and productivity
Different methodologies of remote access
From remote desktop applications to remote access VPNs, there are many useful implementations. However, they all provide the same solution with few differences in effectiveness. Let’s discuss the two major contenders.
Physical LAN access:
The first contender serves the purpose of remote access using a direct line connection. This would imply that one connects their computer directly to the company’s LAN. Here are some of its benefits and costs:
- Faster speed.
- Hardware that needs maintenance.
- Costly.
- Highly insecure.
- Fallible.
Remote Desktop (RDP)
RDP is software that allows connection to a desktop without the usage of hardware. Remote desktop applications manage the connection that grants full control over a desktop from miles away. Here are some of its pros and cons:
- Need to install software
- Cost-effective.
- Does not utilize any hardware.
- Easier maintenance.
- Optimal security.
- Prone to lag
- Needs a high-speed stable internet connection.
- Remote Access VPNs
Remote access VPNs assist individuals to access remote users as well as sites. They utilize a tunneling mechanism to access a company’s private network. Further use encryption for added security. Here are some of its features:
- Software installation is required.
- VPN needs configuration.
- Extremely cost-effective.
- Efficient functionality even beyond remote access.
- Highly secure option.
RDP vs VPN:
Access control
While a VPN assists to bridge a connection into our desired private network, RDP grants full control over a remote desktop.
Cost-effectiveness:
Due to the sheer market size for VPNs, they are generally considered more cost-effective than RDPs. With affordable deals and pricing plans, VPNs would take the lead.
Usability
In most cases, be it for individuals or businesses, more often than not a VPN is more readily used. Though usability is more circumstantial. For secure access, streaming, browsing, and so on, one would need a VPN but to access a single desktop, one would require RDP.
Security
Though both are generally secure, a VPN allows for secure browsing and protects from unauthorized snooping. While RDP provides remote access, a VPN protects your identity online and keeps your privacy intact.
All in all, remote access is a widely used technique to improve work efficiency today. Among many others, remote access VPN is one of the best solutions out there and PureVPN is the best remote access VPN for the purpose.
