Connect through Host (cascade connection)
Host
The Host is a remote module installed on a target (i.e. remote) PC. This module works for both unattended and attended access.
Direct connection
A direct connection is possible when the Host is in direct visibility to the Viewer, i.e. the Host can be addressed by its IP address or hostname (DNS name).
This connection type does not require any intermediary (relay) servers in-between Viewer and Host and is by definition the fastest way to access a remote Host.
Internet-ID connection
An Internet-ID connection uses an intermediary server on the Web ("Internet-ID server") to broker a remote connection between Viewer and Host.
Viewer
Viewer is a single "command center" used by a support technician/admin. The Viewer is where you keep your address book, start remote sessions and manage your licenses.
Full Control and View
Full Control and View mode allows you to view the remote screen, move the remote mouse pointer and send clicks/keystrokes. You can switch between Full Control and View Only modes by using an icon on the mode window toolbar.
With the "Connect through Host" feature you can connect to a target Host through another Host that acts as an intermediary. Another term is cascade connection.
A typical use of this feature is accessing multiple computers on a remote LAN over the Internet. Instead of exposing each LAN PC to the outside world you can set up the perimeter firewall to allow access to a single Host PC and then use that PC to get access through to other PCs in the same LAN.
Important!
Both cascades in the picture above must be direct connections. Setting up a port forwarding rule on your perimeter router/firewall may be necessary when connecting over the Internet using direct connection. An Internet-ID connection is not available for the "Connect through Host" feature yet.
Configuring the intermediary Host
- Install the Host on the computer which will act as an intermediary.
- In the Viewer, click Add connection and enter a descriptive name and IP address (or hostname) of the Host:
- Uncheck Connect now and click OK. A new connection will be created in your address book:
Configuring the target Host
Important!
For the cascade connection to work the target Host PC must be directly accessible from the intermediary Host PC. Typically, this means that both Host computers belong to the same LAN and subnet.
- In the Viewer, click Add connection and enter a descriptive name and IP address of the target Host. In most cases the IP address that you enter here should be from the same subnet as the IP address of the intermediary Host:
- Uncheck Connect now and click OK. A new connection will be created in your address book:
- Right-click the target Host connection and select Properties.
- Open the Network tab, check Connect through the host and in the drop down menu select the intermediary Host:
- Click OK and close the Properties window.
Connecting to the target Host
- Right-click on the intermediary Host connection and select Logon:
- Enter the access password for the intermediary Host and click OK:
- You are now logged in to the intermediary Host:
Important!
When logged in on a Host you are being connected to it but not actively using any connection modes, so you will not interfere with the remote user's work who is sitting at the remote PC. Learn more about logging on/off and connection modes.
- Now right-click on the target Host connection and select Logon:
- Enter the access password for the target Host and click OK:
- You are now connected to the target Host.
You can now start a connection mode (e.g. Full Control) by selecting the desired mode on the Viewer toolbar and double-clicking the target connection.
Important!
You must stay logged on to the intermediary Host during a remote session with the target Host.
