Seeking Remote Computer Access/Support Suggestions with Public WIFI
 

I want to remotely access a Slackware laptop to provide user application assistance, configuration, and software upgrades. The remote computer uses a shared/public WIFI network to access the Internet thus I cannot configure routers/gateways/etc. Is an Internet connection for remote access possible?

Details ...

For the last 3 years the elderly user in another state has successfully used a Slackware64 14.2 (Xfce) computer I set up. However, as you know, computer support via telephone conversations can be a frustrating challenging character building experience at times and I can't do updates or install fixes so the computer functionality has decreased over time.

I'm thinking that setting up a remote desktop to the computer may be the best way to support the user for application help and the computer for changes (fixes, updates, configuration).

The user's Internet connection is a wireless connection throughout the user's building shared with 200 other people thus I have no access to the wireless access points/routers/gateways.

Resources available ...
- When remote access is needed the user can run one or more programs that I preinstall

If needed I can...
- power up a Internet accessible server
- begin leasing a static IP address for my computer/server

Perhaps Open Source server programs exist that permits the computer access I'm seeking?


Yesterday I found that for the first time since April 2020, the user's building is open to visitors if proper paperwork is shown (COVID-19 vaccination). I will soon travel to visit the user bringing a laptop with an up to date Slackware64 -current. I'm hoping to implement a remote access solution on that laptop.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Could you setup a VPN server on your network that this person could remotely connect to from their public wifi?
Then they would be on your local network and you could ssh in to perform updates/fixes.

A simple ssh reverse tunnel to your computer assuming you have a public IP and can open your firewall etc. If you really need a desktop some vnc server can be used etc. Using a dynamic DNS service makes setup easier.

Teamviewer is another option.

You can also use ssh to tunnel IP traffic through the ssh connection.

+1 for the use of a reverse SSH tunnel
For some detail

Public IP and SSH Tunnel
 

Thanks for the responses everyone!

It sounds like I need a public IP address then I can use an SSH reverse tunnel for the connection. From that basic connection then multiple options are available depending upon my task.

@allend thanks for the link to details in the 2015 thread.

Tomorrow I will spend the day learning and experimenting. I'm slow so it will probably take me a couple of days to get the basic connection working.

I wish I still had 2 independent Internet connections to do more complete testing, but I'll take a laptop to a local Starbucks for final testing before my trip.

I'll just use a Dynamic DNS service for now. Could someone throw out a few names for a good Dynamic DNS service these days.

I use noip. It's so your elderly user can connect to you. If you have a smartphone you can use tethering or wifi Hotspot.

Thanks!

Task Postponed
 

This remote support task and associated trip has been postponed. A new trip is planned the end of the year.

I'll post to this thread when the task is resumed.