Remote Access Protocols
==============================

These protocols play key roles in network communication by establishing sessions and enabling secure or remote access to devices and systems.

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   VNC
   SPICE

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   * - Protocol
     - Description
     - Use Case
   * - VNC (Virtual Network Computing)
     - Platform-independent protocol for remote desktop sharing via TCP ports 5900+.  
       Shares graphical desktop for remote control and support.
     - Cross-platform desktop sharing and remote technical support.
   * - SPICE (Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments)
     - Open-source protocol aimed at streaming graphical desktop and media over a network.  
       Supports USB redirection, audio, video, and optimized frame updates.
     - Virtual machine console access (e.g., with QEMU/KVM in Linux).


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   .. tab-item:: VNC (Virtual Network Computing)

      **Main Features**

      - Platform-independent remote desktop sharing over TCP ports starting at 5900
      - Shares graphical desktops for remote control and support
      - Simple, lightweight, but typically unencrypted
      - Works across multiple operating systems

      **RFC References**

      - RFB (Remote Framebuffer) Protocol is the core VNC protocol
      - Specification available at RealVNC: https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/docs/

      **Use Cases**

      - Cross-platform remote technical support and desktop sharing
      - Remote access to Unix/Linux desktops and mixed environments
      - Training and collaborative screen sharing

      **Alternative Protocols**

      - RDP – Windows-focused remote desktop with advanced features
      - TeamViewer, AnyDesk – Enhanced secure remote desktop solutions
      - SSH with X11 forwarding – Unix/Linux GUI applications over secure channels

      .. panels::
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         :card: What You Will Learn in This Section

         **Let us learn more about VNC:**

         * :ref:`Learnings in this section <VNC_step1>`

         * :ref:`Terminology <VNC_step2>`

         * :ref:`Version Info <VNC_step3>`

         * :ref:`VNC Version&IEEE Details <VNC_step5>`

         * :ref:`VNC Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <VNC_step18>`

         * :ref:`VNC Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <VNC_step19>`

         * :ref:`VNC Protocol Packet Details <VNC_step6>`

         * :ref:`VNC Usecases <VNC_step7>`

         * :ref:`VNC Basic Features <VNC_step8>`

         * :ref:`Reference links <VNC_step17>`

         .. button-link:: ./VNC.html
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            Jump to "VNC"

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      .. tab-item:: SPICE (Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments)

         **Main Features**

         - Open-source protocol primarily for accessing virtual desktops (e.g., QEMU/KVM)  
         - Supports audio, video, USB redirection, and efficient frame updates  
         - Integrated with libvirt and virt‑viewer for VM access  
         - Designed with virtualization in mind, offering low-latency performance

         **RFC References**

         - Open-source project — no RFC

         **Use Cases**

         - Administrator and user access to Linux virtual machine consoles  
         - Embedded virtualization management and remote desktop tasks

         **Alternative Protocols**

         - RDP / VNC – More general-purpose remote access  
         - PCoIP / ICA – Enterprise-grade virtual desktop protocols

         .. panels::
            :container: container pb-4
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            :card: What You Will Learn in This Section

            **Let us learn more about SPICE:**

            * :ref:`Learnings in this section <SPICE_step1>`

            * :ref:`Terminology <SPICE_step2>`

            * :ref:`Version Info <SPICE_step3>`

            * :ref:`SPICE Version&IEEE Details <SPICE_step5>`

            * :ref:`SPICE Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <SPICE_step18>`

            * :ref:`SPICE Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <SPICE_step19>`

            * :ref:`SPICE Protocol Packet Details <SPICE_step6>`

            * :ref:`SPICE Usecases <SPICE_step7>`

            * :ref:`SPICE Basic Features <SPICE_step8>`

            * :ref:`Reference links <SPICE_step17>`

            .. button-link:: ./SPICE.html
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               Jump to "SPICE"