RAS Systems are used to enable individuals who are geographically separated from a computer network to access it from remote locations such as a branch offices, hotel rooms, or home offices. At the entry level, a remote access system can simply be software installed on two computers to enable them to be connected to each other in peer-to-peer fashion. When a number of remote users need to be able to access the same computer network at the same time, the system requires a remote access server or RAS.

Connecting Remote Networks

Remote access systems for small offices and medium-sized businesses would normally utilize a chassis-based or stand-alone RAS. Larger businesses and internet service providers would probably use server-based RAS adapter cards that can simply be plugged into any available PCI slot on a server. More capacity can be added to the system by plugging in more adapter cards.

Key Functions

Three key functions are performed by RAS systems. Firstly, they authenticate users to ensure that only authorized persons are able to access the network. Secondly, they manage the incoming traffic via multiple ports. Lastly, they monitor the connection activity and provide real-time system management reports.

Remote users require reliable and speedy connections. To meet these requirements, RAS systems must have sufficient connectivity capacity for the number of users and must use equipment with proven reliability. RAS systems must be able to simultaneously work with both analog and digital signals to cater for users who could be connecting via analog dial-up or digital ISDN service.