Home access to staff shared drive for teachers.

[mrwobbly]

Has anyone allowed home access to a staff shared drive and if so how did you go about it?

[ass17]

We do it through Remote Desktop. We provide staff with an RDP file configured to map local drives, printers and have the IP address and port number already stored within, so that when they run the file they just need to login.

There are alternatives like using a VPN to your network, then give staff instructions on how to map a network drive, once connected.

[mrwobbly]

“There are alternatives like using a VPN to your network, and then give staff instructions on how to map a network drive, once connected.”

I have VPN setup for the head, deputy and business manager to access their desktops. The teachers work from laptops which are tuned off or at home with them. It’s a singe entry Primary with a CC3 server. Can VPN work to just map a drive in such a situation.

[ass17]

Just remember VPN's can be setup on the router or via a third party software like Microsoft TMG/ISA.

[edutech4schools]

My primary schools use either remote desktop or home access plus. HAP+ is a project on this site, search for it.

[CyberNerd]

Sync home drives to Google drive. Install Cloudconnect and all office files sync to GDrive and the server automatically.

[Steven_Cleaver]

Sort of use RDP Gateway with our own software front end for added security and to force Dual Factor encrypted authentication to any MIS systems, also easy management front end and allows access for all students and staff or whoever you like but also used Home Access + originally which was very good.

[SYNACK]

DirectAccess in W7 makes this transparent, now that Server 2012 only needs one IP (we only ever get one in NZ) we can finally look at implementing it.

[mrwobbly]

Some really useful info here so far, which has been banked.

RDP is not an option as we are talking about class teacher laptops which are taken home. Google are shutting down CloudConnect on the 30th April. Access to routers and VPN are controlled by the broadband provider and need county approval for changes.

This is a primary school with no money and a dire need of a complete network infrastructure, server and client upgrade. It looks like HAP may be the answer.
Currently a 2003 server with XP clients and a built in bottle neck where all the school network traffic is down one 100 Mb link including the MIS.

[Steven_Cleaver]

Some really useful info here so far, which has been banked.

RDP is not an option as we are talking about class teacher laptops which are taken home. Google are shutting down CloudConnect on the 30th April. Access to routers and VPN are controlled by the broadband provider and need county approval for changes.

This is a primary school with no money and a dire need of a complete network infrastructure, server and client upgrade. It looks like HAP may be the answer.
Currently a 2003 server with XP clients and a built in bottle neck where all the school network traffic is down one 100 Mb link including the MIS.

Going by your requirements and limitations HAP does sound like the answer but would just be tempted to have this on seperate Server or VM if possible.

[SimpleSi]

...all the school network traffic is down one 100 Mb link including the MIS.

100MB is a bottleneck?????
We get 10MBs in my schools if we are lucky!

For orig problem I install Dropbox on server - create folders for each teacher and then let them save/load to it at home/school and just restrict access to it in school to their class computers

My main problem is trying to get Headteachers to pay for >2GB who don't see any need for it (as they don't have a headteacher on their back saying where's the planning) and they can have full remote access to their machines via CLEO provided SGD for free

[mrwobbly]

I think you misunderstood, the CC3 server, SIMS server,a number of WAP's and the Espresso media servers are on a single 100 Mb wired uplink to the core switch.

[edutech4schools]

RDP is not an option as we are talking about class teacher laptops which are taken home.

class teacher laptops from home is what rdp is all about. install remote desktop (was called terminal services) with the gateway role and they can access a remote desktop from home using port 443.

[mrwobbly]

class teacher laptops from home is what rdp is all about. install remote desktop (was called terminal services) with the gateway role and they can access a remote desktop from home using port 443.

Sorry for sounding a bit thick but are saying they can get a remote desktop via VPN on a 2003 server without having a physical machine to connect to.

[nickbro]

Home Access Plus+ for all, staff have RemoteApps (i.e. SIMS/Word via RD and RD Gateway) and I have SSTP vpn access.