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