Definitions (as used here)
LAN - Local Area Network - Typically 100 megabits per second (speed)
WAN - Wide Area Network - Typically private (leased) connections at 64 kbps to 1.5 mbps (T1)
VPN - A WAN connection employing an encrypted 'tunnel' over an untrusted network (Internet) - Because VPN connections incur the extra overhead of encryption, they are generally slower than other WAN connections. However, since they utilize your already-existing Internet connections, large monthly leased-line costs are eliminated.
See also Selecting Internet Connections for VPN Use
Forms of Remote Access
Remote connections are simply not comparable to local connections in terms of speed. But they are still very useful.
There are two basic forms of remote access
Remote Node Connection
This is a simple network connection that connects a PC to another PC, a PC to a network or a network to another network.
It is important to note that even a $800-per-month T1 point-to-point connection is only a small fraction of the speed of a LAN. Your every-day ethernet LAN runs at 100 megabits per second. The T1 is only 1.5 mbps! The point is that your average DSL or cable-based VPN connection that costs nothing above the cost of your base Internet access charges will never compare to local network performance. As businesses have done for many years, we just have to learn to make the most of it.
Remote node connections are very useful for:
- file transfers
- remote terminals/terminal emulation ('green screen' applications)
- client-server applications (designed for use over WAN connections)
Remote Control Connections
Remote control connections utilize remote node connections to provide expanded capabilities.
With a remote control connection, you interact with your local PC to control or 'take over' a remote PC or a remote 'session'. Examples of remote control options are Microsoft Terminal Services, Remote Desktop, PCanywhere, VNC, NX, Citrix Metaframe, etc.
Remote control connections require that there exist the remote resources to be controlled plus the (software) technology to do remote control. This is where the extra cost comes in.
Remote control connections are very useful for:
- operating your office PC while at home or on the road
- running multi-user applications that require local resources
- accessing shared databases
- sharing applications with expensive licensing or complicated configurations
- using applications not designed to run over WAN connections
- improving performance of applications when run over a WAN connection
- etc.
As you can see, remote control connections and infrastructure are often what is required when designing your remote access system.
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