## Chapter 9: Remote Access in a Mixed Environment

Microsoft® Windows NT® comes with much more built-in remote-access software than most versions of UNIX. Remote access in Windows NT most commonly uses dial-up connections, but it can also support dedicated connections. UNIX administrators typically have used their UNIX systems as software-based routers and remote-access servers only in low-end situations. They have relied on separate dedicated hardware for routing and remote-access servers.

When UNIX runs on hardware that is not PC-hardware based, interfaces such as high-speed serial (V.35) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) cards tend to be expensive. It is possible to add many serial interfaces for modems to a UNIX system, but dedicated and specialized remote-access servers usually do a better job. Windows NT is attractive for small-to-medium-size sites because it comes with everything you need for remote access "out of the box." In addition, it supports many of the same protocols, media types, and security features as the dedicated hardware used on UNIX sites.

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Last Updated: December 1, 1997