Remote Desktop over 3G networks

donalfm

Hi,

I'm working on a project and have a major problem to solve. The project is for a business that will have 30+ PCs running in third-party premises (1 PC per premises). It's attractive to use mobile broadband to connect these PCs as it avoids installing wiring/contracts in premises we don't own.

The client on these machines shouldn't have a problem connecting to our server as long as ftp is supported. The problem arises when I need to remote desktop in to these PCs to install updates/perform maintenance. I have no idea if this is possible over Irish networks as they don't seem to provide fixed IPs as an option.

So, has anyone managed to remote desktop a machine that's located on a 3G network?

Also, are there commercial-grade modems available that can be relied on 24/7-365 and that might possibly have a better signal range?

Any advice appreciated,
D

jor el

Three don't give a dedicated IP to every user, O2 and Vodafone do. This will be DHCP applied, so not a static IP. Do not rely on the IP address for your remote control requirements. Remote access should work over the 3G networks, but I can't say for sure. Using something like logmein.com is a neat solution.

The biggest problem will arise from the 3G connection not being reliable, and not always on. If the connection drops at the remote site, someone will physically need to reconnect. You won't be able to do this remotely, and obviously won't be able to remote connect when it's not online.

The upload speed of the 3G connection could also be an issue, if there is any kind of graphic intensive display on the host. It could get very slow, or cause a disconnect.

In short, 3G Internet connections are not what you want.

donalfm

Thanks Jor.

I can handle a not always-on connection as long as it connects several times a day. The client will keep running without connectivity, but will have to update at some stage and also let the server know that it hasn't crashed. Does anyone know if there's a work-around for the reconnection issue?

Upload speed isn't a problem. Uploads will be limited to 3 text or excel reports a day, <100kb each and an hourly heartbeat, <1kb. Downloads should average less than 50MB a day.

I'll look in to logmein.com - thanks for the pointer.

Cheers,
D

jor el

donalfm wrote: »

Upload speed isn't a problem.

It might be when you remote desktop them. Everything on the screen will have to be uploaded to you, and if you have a poor upload speed (often the case with 3G), this could be unusable.

missyfirefly

donalfm wrote: »

Does anyone know if there's a work-around for the reconnection issue?

Some broadband dashboards have an autoconnect upon disconnect option that can be enabled. Sierra Wireless modems have it. AFAIK huawei modems don't.

rolion

First option will be logmein that is free to use.

A second option will be to use DynDNS,a service that allows you to connect to a PC,using a registered dns record with them,but is not free.Install a DYNDNS client on each PC and it should take care of the issue with Dynamic IP Address.

Re auto-connect/disconnect,i'll try to use a batch file,scheduled to run every so often every day and do few pings to a default gateway or a DNS server.Hopefully,that will bring the 3G connection online.Also,the DynDNS client can update his IP address every so often.

But,first of the first,try to get a wired/wireless connection on site where the remote PC is located.A wired connection is much stable that all others...and none of the Irish mobile company will give a guaranteed connection or speed.Also,you may have to get USB powered extenders so the 3G modem will b elocated near to a window or as far as it can be off the room/building.

If the business makes the moneys,look in to IrishBroadband or Wimax products,is only 20e per month and is much better option than 3G.

Regards.

watty

It's barking mad to use Remote PC over Mobile.

paddyireland

You just need rdm+ http://www.rdmplus.com/
I have been using it for about 6 years for remote control of remote workers laptops as they travel around the world using different access methods all the time. You can access the remote pc via a java app on your phone or by logging into a web based service from any pc. You pay a one off fee of $29 for the mobile client and web logon. You can dowload the desktop client to as many pcs as you like for free. You can control macs as well. It is from the same company that developed mobiscope. Well worth checking out as well.

paddyireland

As regards modems an unlocked mifi from ebay with the firware already upgraded works fine for me. Although unlocked dongles are better value. You can position it for the best signal, since it does not have to be attached to the pc, and set the connection to always on via the web based control panel at 192.168.1.1. I use it with a payg sim from three. You can register it and topup online from any pc. You can set your mobile to phone or pc. I set it to n95 so I can get 30 days/1gig for a tenner.
If you set it to dongle you get 30days/10gig for €25 or 7days/2gig for €10. I forgot to mention you can download and try the rdmplus sofware for free for 7days. They do a great vnc client for mobile as well. Here is the rdm client in action on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtcLKcvXW4g .