{"id":5254,"date":"2020-07-13T12:55:42","date_gmt":"2020-07-13T11:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.n-able.com\/?p=5254"},"modified":"2024-03-04T16:53:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:53:35","slug":"remote-access-protocols-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.n-able.com\/de\/blog\/remote-access-protocols-complete-guide","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Remote Access Protocols"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As a managed services provider (MSP), you likely already work with remote access protocols on a daily basis. But learning how to best explain the various types of remote access protocols and their advantages and disadvantages to customers is critical in helping them understand your decisions\u2014and why they should trust you and your services. This guide will help define and lay out the different types of remote access protocols for your customers, and then recommend the remote access products that best suit their needs and help you facilitate effective remote access.<\/p>\n

A remote access protocol is responsible for managing the connection between a remote access server and a remote computer. It\u2019s necessary for desktop sharing and remote access for help desk activities. The primary remote access protocols in use today are the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Remote Access Services (RAS), and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).<\/p>\n

Types of remote access protocol<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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SERIAL LINE INTERNET PROTOCOL (SLIP)`<\/h4>\n

UNIX developed SLIP as a way of transmitting TCP\/IP over serial connections. SLIP operates at both the data link and physical layers of the OSI model and continues to be used today in many network operating systems, as well as UNIX.<\/p>\n

SLIP is associated with a low overhead and can be used to transport TCP\/IP over serial connections, but it doesn\u2019t feature packet addressing or error checking capabilities. You can only use it on serial connections, which is a notable restriction.<\/p>\n

To set up SLIP for a remote connection, you\u2019ll need a SLIP account on the host machine, as well as a batch file or script on the workstation. When you use SLIP to\u00a0log in<\/a>\u00a0to a remote machine, you must configure a terminal mode after you\u2019ve logged into the remote site. This ensures the script can enter each parameter. If you don\u2019t use a script, you\u2019ll need to establish the connection and then open a terminal window so you can manually log in to the remote access server.<\/p>\n

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POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL (PPP) AND PPPOE (POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL OVER ETHERNET)<\/h4>\n

PPP is a remote access protocol that allows you to implement TCP\/IP. It establishes a connection via point-to-point links (i.e., dedicated leased lines and dial-up). PPP is used most often for remote connections to LANs and ISPs.<\/p>\n

PPP utilizes the Link Control Protocol (LCP), which tests the link between client and PPP host and specifies PPP client configuration, to communicate between host and PPP client. LCP allows PPP to support authentication negotiation, in addition to compression and encryption negotiation between the client and the server, using encryption control protocols (ECPs) and compression control protocols (CCPs). PPP can support multiple network protocols by using protocol-specific network control protocols (NPCs). Because it can run over numerous physical media types and features error-checking functionalities, PPP has almost entirely replaced SLIP.<\/p>\n

PPP can also automatically configure TCP\/IP and alternative protocol parameters via IP control protocol (IPCP) NCP. Unfortunately, one of PPP\u2019s disadvantages is it attracts a high overhead and isn\u2019t compatible with certain older configurations.<\/p>\n

For technicians, PPP is generally considered easily configurable. Once you connect the router via PPP, it assigns all other TCP\/IP parameters for you. This is usually performed with the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP is a protocol within TCP\/IP protocol stack that is responsible for assigning TCP\/IP addressing information. This includes subnet mask, DNS configuration, and host IP address. This information can be assigned via a LAN connection or a dial-up connection. Once you connect to an ISP, the DHCP server will likely provide your IP address.<\/p>\n

POINT-TO-POINT TUNNELING PROTOCOL (PPTP)<\/h4>\n

PPTP is a remote access protocol, based on PPP, created by Microsoft. It\u2019s used to establish virtual connections across the internet via PPP and TCP\/IP, enabling two networks to use the internet as their WAN link while retaining the security benefits of a private network. PPTP is a great option because it\u2019s simple and secure.<\/p>\n

To use PPTP, you\u2019ll have to set up a PPP session between the server and the client, usually over the internet. Once the session is established, you\u2019ll create a second dial-up session. This dial-up session will use PPTP to dial through the existing PPP session.<\/p>\n

A PPTP session tunnels through an existing PPP connection, facilitating the creation of a secure session. This means you can use the internet to create a secure session between the server and the client. This type of connection is also called a virtual private network (VPN) and is less expensive than a direct connection.<\/p>\n

PPTP is a good choice for network administrators who want to connect multiple LANs but don\u2019t want to pay for dedicated leased lines. There are, however, a few disadvantages including:<\/p>\n