Azure O365 Cloud by HDF – OnPrem Network

What is an On Premises network, and how does it relate to an Azure O365 Cloud by HDF network?

This article describes an On Premises (OnPrem) network, and how a client using one logs in, accesses files, etc.  This is the network you are probably familiar with.  Reviewing this type of network may help you better understand an Azure O365 Cloud by HDF network.

With an OnPrem network, your files and credentials are stored on the server in the office.  There are various ways to access such a network, so we have broken them out as described here.  OnPrem networks were the original networks, and were first designed for only the “In-Office Computer” scenario.  They still work best with this scenario.

• [In-Office Computer] From a computer (either a desktop or a laptop) physically in the office and directly connected to the server (typically by a network cable, but sometimes by a wireless connection).
• [Remote Computer – No Internet] From a computer (usually a laptop) located remotely without an Internet connection.
• [Remote Computer – Internet] From a computer (usually a laptop) located remotely with an Internet connection.
• [Remote Computer – Browser] From a computer located remotely with an internet connection.  Access to the server is through a browser connecting to something like: https://remote.<your domain>
• [Remote Computer – VPN] From a computer located remotely with an Internet connection.  After logging in, the user connects with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.

Logging into a computer:

How does your computer recognize who you are, in order to allow you access?

In-Office Computer:  Your entered credentials are compared to those stored on the server.  If they match, you are allowed in.

Remote Computer – No Internet: Your entered credentials are compared to those stored locally on your computer (from the last time you were connected to the server).  If they match, you are allowed in.  Note: the locally stored credentials may be out of date.

Remote Computer – Internet: This computer has Internet access, but is no connection to your server.  Your entered credentials are compared to those stored locally on your computer (from the last time you were connected to the server).  If they match, you are allowed in.  Note: the locally stored credentials may be out of date.

Remote Computer – Browser: This computer has Internet access, and has a connection to the server, but this connection is not established until after the user is logged in.  This connection also has nothing to do with your credentials.  Your entered credentials are compared to those stored locally on your computer (from the last time you were connected to the server).  If they match, you are allowed in.  Note: the locally stored credentials may be out of date.

Remote Computer – VPN: This computer has Internet access, and has a connection to the server, but this connection is not established until after the user is logged in.  Your entered credentials are compared to those stored locally on your computer (from the last time you were connected to the server).  If they match, you are allowed in.  Note: the locally stored credentials may be out of date when you are logging in, but they will be updated once you connect to the VPN.

Accessing shared files:

How do you access files shared on the server?

In-Office Computer:  You access the file through a shared drive (typically “S:”).  The network provides you with a connection to the file, but the file remains on the server.  The server knows immediately when a second person attempts to access the same file, and that second person is given access to a “read-only” copy so that your changes are not overwritten.

Remote Computer – No Internet: Shared files are not available to you.  If you knew that you were going to be without Internet access (i.e. on a plane, perhaps), then you could copy the file to your local computer to work on it during the outage.  However, the server is not aware of your actions, and another user could access the file on the server and make changes.  If, upon your return, you copy the file back to the server without checking for changes, then you will overwrite the other person’s changes.

Remote Computer – Internet: Shared files are not automatically available to you.  You will need to use a browser or VPN to access the files (see below).

Remote Computer – Browser: Since you have Internet access, you can open a browser and direct it to your server (typically “https://remote.<your domain>.  Once you log in, you have access to the shared files.  To work on one, you can download it to your local computer, and then upload it with the changes.  If someone else works on the same file while you are working on it, their’s or your changes can be overwritten depending on who uploads it first.  The last person to upload their copy wins(?).

Remote Computer – VPN: With a VPN, your computer acts as if it is connected locally to the server.  Accessing shared files works the same as “In-Office Computer” above, except its a little slower.

If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,