A spatially separate connection between IT systems is referred to as remote access or remote maintenance. This enables external access to data and control elements. In addition to facilitating access to data, remote maintenance is also used for the maintenance and repair of systems.
Remote maintenance is becoming increasingly important in the course of conserving resources. A distinction is made between passive and active remote access (assistance or your own actions are possible). Switches or routers (e.g. mobile network routers) with the appropriate software are often used for implementation. Furthermore, security aspects must be observed in order to enable the protection of sensitive data and to prevent computer crime. In particular, data encryption, firewalls or trust agreements are used for this purpose.