Tired of VPN issues while WFH? Not able to connect to the remote server? The solution is here!

As we know due to the #corona outbreak almost the entire world is working from home these days to ensure a business is not getting impacted. As a result, often due to a large number of user load and internet connectivity issues, there are times when the #VPN server starts behaving weirdly. Hence we do face downtime which is bad for business. In a rapidly growing market with huge competition can we really afford a "Downtime"? This thought provoked me to look for alternative solutions.

Like always #google was there with a solution. They have developed a Chrome extension named "Chrome Remote Desktop". Waiiit whattt???? Using Chrome extension we can log in to Server without connecting to Office's VPN network? Are you kidding me? This was the thought which came to my mind. I am sure you must be having a similar thought process coming. Trust me I drilled down to prove it was wrong. But no Google won it. We can actually login to any server from anywhere with the help of a Chrome extension without being on the office's VPN network. You might still not believe it. Don't worry I have written down steps to help you configure your system.

Step 1: Open Chrome browser from your machine login with your Gmail account, and Go to Chrome Store from in your Machine.

Step 2: Search for Chrome Remote Desktop extension.

Step 3: Add the Extension to your browser.

Step 4: Click on the Added extension on your browser followed by which click on Get Started.

Step 5: Click on Accept and Install, it would download an MSI file in your machine. Open the downloaded file and complete the installation process.

Step 6: Connect to the VPN network of your workplace it can be Cisco or FortiClient or etc to configure servers.

Step 7: Remotely connect to your frequently used server machine say PerformanceMachine.

Step 8: Open Chrome browser on machine and repeat above steps 1 to 5.

Step 9: Disconnect from the target machine.

Step 10: You can similarly configure other servers by repeating Steps 1 to 5.

Step 11: Disconnect your office's VPN connection.

 Now we are ready to connect to your servers without actually being connected to the office's VPN. Simply click on the "Chrome Remote Desktop" extension symbol from the browser of your local machine. You will be able to see lists of servers configured similar to the one shown below. Click on the target server name and yes you are IN.

Bringing it up altogether

With the help of the "Chrome Remote Desktop" extension, we are able to connect to the target web server with just a single click. With just 10min of configuration time, we are able to resolve daily stuck that are caused due to Downtime of VPN. I would encourage readers to configure their servers which would intern ensure hassle-free access to machines irrespective of VPN availability. The best part is the above solution being an extension can be used across platforms and devices, which means we can actually access the target servers from iPad and Mobile across multiple OS.

A hidden VPN connection is definitely there between your machine and target server which is been managed by Chrome extension. The only difference is you don't have to explicitly connect to your office's VPN connection. It's a secured and well-tested feature provided by Google.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section, we can connect on LinkedIn and talk more. If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread it to your connections on Linkedin or other channels.

Thank you!