Remote access to network

Topic

New Reply

I am about to rebuild a network consisiting of a server, running Small Business Server 2003, and 5 workstations running XP, so any configuration issues will create no problems. The network has access to Broadband internet access.

What is required is remote access to the network so that the users can work from home or any other place they find themselves.

I know that remote desktop access is available via something like ‘Go to my PC’ but not only does appear an inelegant solution, but also presupposes that the user’s PC is turned on.

Can someone reccomend a solution/program that acts just like a workstation, but remotely

David

Reply | Quote

Replies

Unfortunately the SBS 2003 OS is limited to two (2) RDP sessions, and you cannot install Terminal Services on it. At this point I would look at one of the remote packages – LogMeIn seems to be popular with many of the service bureaus. If you are able to get by with only 2 users active remotely at any point in time, you might be able to use the remote desktop sessions. Please note that Microsoft views those as being there for remote administration only.

Reply | Quote

Thanks, but now I’m totally confused.

After much searching I found MS article ID 323441 (How to install and configure a Virtual Private Network server in Windows Server 2003) at the end of which is says it applies to ‘Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Standard Edition’

Does it still mean that only 2 people can log on remotely at any one time.

David

Reply | Quote

Thanks, but now I’m totally confused.

After much searching I found MS article ID 323441 (How to install and configure a Virtual Private Network server in Windows Server 2003) at the end of which is says it applies to ‘Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Standard Edition’

Does it still mean that only 2 people can log on remotely at any one time.

David

No. Configuring a VPN to logon to a network is different from using RDP. A VPN allows remote users to login and act as though it is a local connection for the machine at which they are present. RDP is used to connect to a machine, logon to the machine, and run as though you were at that machine. RDP is most often used as a remote support vehicle. RDP for the SBS 2003 server would allow two concurrent connections to the server desktop. I don’t think that is what you want.

Joe

--Joe

Reply | Quote

I don’t think a VPN will help you much either – it is essentially a way of letting users access their files from their home or travelling PC. But if they have any specialized programs they use at work that are not installed on their home/travelling PC then they can’t really do effective work. I think what you are really looking for is Terminal Services, or Citrix (a more advanced version of Terminal Services) or one of the other remote execution apps you can buy, such as PCAnyWhere, GoToMyPC, LogMeIn, etc. Unfortunately Terminal Services isn’t available for SBS as I understand it.

Reply | Quote

You may want to consider using the built-in SBS 2003 Remote Web Workplace – which allows users to access their desktops in the office via IE and a Remote Desktop ActiveX control … again, it presupposes that the PCs in the office are both powered on 24×7 and you have a one user per computer in the office. In my experience, I’ve found it works fairly well.

If, like me, you have a hardware router in place, you’ll need to open up several ports (well documented on the web) to allow access to this extremely useful tool, but it’s worth looking into.

Good luck!

Mike

Reply | Quote