Secure Computer Network Remote Access Options For Teleworkers

There are numerous benefits to providing members of your organization or business with reliable, secure and feature rich remote access options. The term "teleworker" refers to an alternative worker model that accommodates employees that mostly work from home or are always on the go. Remote access options come in many flavors. Listed below are some of the most common secure remote access solutions in use today.

A virtual private network or VPN connection provides a secure link from a remote location back to the main office. A firewall, multi-purpose router, dedicated VPN appliance or a server operating system that includes VPN support would be installed and configured at the main office location to provide a VPN termination point for remote clients. Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are common protocols used by VPN services to provide encryption and security for remote access connectivity over the internet.

Sonicwall

So how do teleworkers connect? In most cases, a VPN connection is initiated through either software residing on the computer or a hardware based client. Operating systems from Microsoft (XP, Vista, and Windows 7) include built-in VPN connectivity support. Cisco, SonicWALL, Netgear, Fortinet and numerous other vendors of VPN products all offer client and clientless (sometimes also referred to as thin client) based VPN connectivity options. Clientless VPN connectivity is usually established through your web browser utilizing a small active x control or java applet in combination with SSL to create a secure connection to the main office. A hardware based VPN client is usually a router that is able to establish a dedicated secure connection back to the home office.

Once a secure remote connection is in place, teleworkers can access whatever resources are explicitly made available. The most common application and resource delivery method is usually through a server or desktop remote terminal session. Remote desktop connectivity provides the "as if you were sitting there in the office" experience. Server based remote session services allow for numerous users to connect to a single server all at the same time. A desktop computer that allows remote sessions is generally one to one.

Secure remote access from home or while on the road can help to foster greater productivity and efficiency. Moving to a virtual office teleworker employee or associate model also has the added benefit of potential cost savings as the need for traditional centralized office space lessens.

Secure Computer Network Remote Access Options For Teleworkers