What is Remote Access?
Remote access refers to the ability to connect to an information system located at a distant location using communication networks like the internet. This allows users to access applications and data on the target system. There are two primary use cases for remote access: accessing systems from fixed locations such as a user's home or satellite office and accessing systems via mobile devices. While both involve accessing systems remotely, the term "remote access" commonly refers to accessing systems via mobile devices over the internet. With the rise of mobile and cloud computing, the demand for remote access to enterprise systems has significantly increased.
To securely perform remote access over the internet, the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential. A VPN utilizes technologies like user authentication and encryption to enable secure usage of shared public networks, such as the internet, as if they were dedicated private networks.
Methods to implement VPNs over the internet include:
For businesses seeking secure remote access solutions, F5 offers the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM), which supports both SSL VPN and IPsec VPN technologies.