How to Remote Into a Computer

Setting Up Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is one of the most robust and commonly used solutions for remote access in Windows environments. It provides full administrative control over a remote machine. This makes it an essential tool for IT professionals managing enterprise networks.

How RDP Works

RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that enables a graphical interface on remote devices. It uses TCP port 3389 by default, transmitting input (keyboard and mouse events) and graphical display data over the network. To ensure the connection is encrypted, RDP relies on TLS (Transport Layer Security) and optionally supports Network Level Authentication (NLA).

Enabling Remote Desktop on the Target Machine

1. Accessing the Settings:

• Navigate to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
• Toggle Enable Remote Desktop on.
• Choose whether the machine will remain discoverable on private networks, allowing for remote connections.

2. Firewall and Network Considerations:

• Ensure that the Windows Firewall has an exception for Remote Desktop, allowing TCP traffic over port 3389.
• If the computer is behind a router, you may need to configure port forwarding to make the machine accessible externally. In larger environments, IT administrators often use VPNs to avoid exposing port 3389 directly to the public internet.

3. Network Level Authentication (NLA):

• Enable NLA to require authentication before establishing the remote connection, significantly increasing security by preventing unauthorised access.

Best Practices for Secure RDP Deployment

For environments where RDP is critical, security concerns are paramount. Using RDP over a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel. This ensures that even if RDP packets are intercepted, they are protected by an additional encryption layer. Similarly, always restrict RDP access to trusted IP addresses by using firewall rules or VPN tunneling, to prevent unauthorized access.

Using Chrome Remote Desktop for Cross-Platform Compatibility

While RDP is a robust solution for Windows environments, Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) offers an easy-to-use, cross-platform remote access tool suitable for mixed OS environments (Windows, macOS, Linux). CRD is an extension of the Chrome browser, offering streamlined connectivity over Google’s cloud infrastructure.

How Chrome Remote Desktop Operates

CRD uses a secure HTTPS connection to Google’s servers, transmitting remote desktop sessions through the browser. It establishes a peer-to-peer connection when possible and falls back to Google’s servers if the direct connection fails. CRD operates using a unique access code or a pre-set PIN for permanent access.

Steps for Setting Up Chrome Remote Desktop

1. Install the Chrome Extension:

• Both the local and remote computers must have the Chrome Remote Desktop extension installed. It can be accessed via the Chrome Web Store.

2. Enable Remote Access:

• On the remote computer, configure remote access by generating a one-time access code or setting a permanent PIN for long-term access.
• The access PIN must be at least six digits, and you can configure multi-user access if necessary.

3. Establish a Connection:

• From the local device, use the same Chrome Remote Desktop extension to enter the generated code or PIN. The connection will be established securely, and input will be transmitted in real-time.

Performance and Security Considerations

Although Chrome Remote Desktop is not as feature-rich as RDP, it is designed for simplicity and cross-platform compatibility. However, it is best suited for non-enterprise or home use scenarios where ease of setup outweighs the need for granular control. CRD is secured by Google’s cloud encryption and authentication, but its reliance on Google’s infrastructure means that it is less customizable for network administrators seeking complete control over their connections.

Accessing a Computer on a Different Network: VPN and Third-Party Solutions

When the remote computer is on a different network, accessing it can present additional challenges. This situation requires bypassing network firewalls or utilising more advanced networking techniques such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or specific third-party solutions like AirDroid.

VPN Solutions for Remote Access

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between two networks, allowing a user to connect to remote machines as though they were on the same local network. This is particularly useful in corporate environments where exposing machines to the public internet is a security risk.

1. Configure the VPN Gateway:

• IT professionals must set up a VPN gateway on the target network, ensuring that it supports incoming remote connections. Common solutions include OpenVPN, WireGuard, or proprietary hardware-based VPNs (e.g., Cisco, Fortinet).

2. Client Configuration:

• The remote client must have the correct VPN software installed and authenticated with certificates or secure credentials to establish the encrypted tunnel.

3. Accessing Remote Systems:

• Once connected to the VPN, the remote machine is accessible via its local IP address, allowing RDP or other remote access tools to function securely.

AirDroid for Simplified Cross-Network Access

AirDroid offers an all-in-one solution for cross-network access without the need for a VPN. It leverages cloud servers to bridge the connection between devices, simplifying the remote access process across different networks.

1. AirDroid Setup:

• Download and install AirDroid on both the local and remote devices. The service operates through an AirDroid account, linking the devices over their cloud infrastructure.

2. Establishing a Connection:

• From the AirDroid dashboard, select the remote device and initiate the connection. Since the connection is cloud-based, no complex firewall configurations or port forwarding is necessary.

3. Security Considerations:

• While AirDroid is convenient for non-enterprise environments, corporate IT should be cautious of relying on third-party cloud services for sensitive remote connections. Always ensure that communications are encrypted, and data transmission complies with organisational policies.

Choosing Between VPN and Cloud-Based Solutions

While VPNs offer complete control over network security and access, cloud-based solutions like AirDroid provide simplicity and ease of setup. IT professionals must weigh these factors based on the specific needs of their environment. VPNs are typically preferred in corporate scenarios where security and compliance are critical, while cloud-based tools may be suitable for smaller or less-regulated environments.

Enhance Your Remote Access with TSplus Remote Access

For IT professionals seeking a scalable, secure, and feature-rich solution, TSplus Remote Access is designed to meet enterprise demands. It offers a cost-effective and versatile platform for seamless remote desktop connections across large networks. TSplus supports multiple users and is compatible with Windows environments, providing a streamlined alternative to RDP while offering enhanced security features like two-factor authentication and encryption.

The platform allows centralized control, making it easier for IT administrators to manage remote sessions efficiently, ensuring reliable performance for remote work and support. Explore more about TSplus Remote Access to discover how it can transform your IT infrastructure.

Conclusion

Remote access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for IT professionals. Whether you use Microsoft RDP for Windows-centric environments, Chrome Remote Desktop for cross-platform convenience, or VPNs for highly secure corporate networks, each solution has its place in your IT toolkit. Understanding the technical nuances of each method ensures you can deploy remote access systems that meet your organization's security, performance, and usability needs.