Remote desktop control: cross-network remote control method

Following the method of remote desktop control within the local area network in the previous article, today we will talk about the method of cross-network remote control, which is mainly divided into two parts:

Using remote control software

Cross-network RDP remote desktop

Although both methods can achieve the purpose of cross-network remote control, the principles are very different. Remote control software uses third-party products for control, and the principle is probably to capture the graphical desktop and mouse track of the controlled end. (This is just a guess, and I have not specifically understood the principle).

This article first introduces the use of remote control software

When using remote desktop software for cross-network remote control, you need to use the other party's server, and you must be aware of the security risks here.

remote desktop

The previous article introduced that RDP is a remote desktop communication protocol developed by Microsoft, so cross-network RDP remote desktop is still based on the RDP protocol, but the local area network is extended to the wide area network. Personally, I think the effect of remote control is better than remote control software.

1. Usage scenarios

By using the remote desktop within the LAN, we can operate any computer in the network while debugging in the control room, thus saving the trouble of running back and forth between workshops.

Cross-network remote control can save our business trips and enable remote maintenance anytime and anywhere, especially when there are some minor problems that need to be dealt with and we are not on site.

The above picture is a simple network topology. Compared with the remote desktop in the LAN introduced in the previous article, an engineer station is added.

The function of the engineer station is to install programming and configuration software, as well as connect to the external network so that we can control remotely.

As can be seen from the above picture, you need to install the remote software on your own programming computer and the on-site engineer station to realize the vision of debugging in the company.

2. Software Introduction

Since there are so many remote control softwares and their quality varies, we will only introduce a few mainstream ones. The other operation methods are mostly similar to these.

TeamViewer

sunflower

ToDesk

RustDesk

AnyDesk

2.1. TeamViewer

TeamViewer is one of the earliest software I used. It is very good in terms of picture quality and smooth operation. The only drawback is that it is expensive. The free version can only be said to be usable, not even good. If it is used for a long time for free, it will be considered as a commercial behavior and forced to charge.

There are also various cracked versions on the Internet, which have almost no stability and may become unusable at any time.

I feel that TeamViewer is now mainly aimed at corporate users. It is still a good choice for companies to pay to purchase and use it. If it is for individuals, it is indeed very expensive. If you are interested, you can go to the official website to learn more.

2.2 Sunflower

Sunflower’s user experience is more in line with Chinese habits, it has customer service, and supports mutual control of systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Sunflower is simple, easy to use and free, but it is not as effective as TeamViewer. It can be used but the picture quality is poor and it has high network requirements. A poor network will cause it to lag and make you question your life.

You will get a better experience after recharging money, and the charges are still within an acceptable range.

The above is a comparison of the benefits of Sunflower Guazi members and super members. Personally, I think Guazi membership is sufficient for us.

The stability of ToDesk and Sunflower is obviously different depending on the number of servers deployed. When I tested ToDesk, I deliberately extended the connection time. The test showed that ToDesk did not disconnect during the test, and the stability was very strong.

The service quality of remote control software is closely related to the number of servers. According to the information found online, Sunflower's servers are obviously too few, which leads to poor stability during use. Long-term use will cause inexplicable disconnection.

2.3. ToDesk

After Sunflower became a paid app, the user experience of the free version gradually declined, and I used it less and less. Later, I saw that ToDesk was free, so I used it for a while and found that it was indeed much better than Sunflower.

It is now basically the main remote control software I use, although ToDesk has also started charging recently.

In addition to the fact that ToDesk's user experience is better than Sunflower's, the operation fluency is also much better than Sunflower's. This should be because the number of ToDesk's servers is far greater than that of Sunflower.

If you only use the free version, ToDesk is recommended. You can try the two softwares and choose according to your usage habits.

I prefer the simplicity of ToDesk, the sunflower is too complicated.

2.4 RustDesk

RustDesk is open source software, suitable for friends who like to tinker. Because its free server is not in China, the experience of using it is very poor, but its advantage is that the software is open source and has better security.

Friends who like to tinker can use it by building their own server.

I have recently studied RustDesk for some time and found that the threshold for use is indeed high.

2.5 Summary

I recommend you to use Sunflower and ToDesk. The free version of ToDesk is better.

The operation of the software is similar, both the control end and the controlled end are installed, and the control is performed through the verification code. It can be set to unattended mode.

The specific operation process is not complicated, and you should be able to get started quickly after a little adaptation.