Olga Weis
Last updated Nov 19, 2024
A smart card reader is handy if you want to access data or authentication from a smart card.
However, when working with a remote desktop, you’ll need more than just a physical device to gain virtual access. Simply put, a remote smart card reader is what you need.
Unfortunately, the setup and configuration of remote smart card access can be tricky. So we’ve provided an in-depth guide to access smart card readers remotely using the native method and some alternative solutions. We also touch on some common issues to give you ideas on how to address them.
In this approach, we focus on an RDP smart card reader or smart card reader accessible via remote desktop protocol Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). No third-party software will be involved in this method.
In a nutshell, RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that enables connection and control of remote devices over a network. It allows smart card readers physically connected to a local client machine to be accessible in a remote session.
To access a remote desktop smart card reader using the native method, you’ll need the following:
Once your local machine has an RDP client installed and your smart card reader is connected to the local machine, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Enable Smart Card Redirection on the Local Machine
Now, your local machine is ready to remotely share the smart card reader over the network.
Note:
Before you proceed, you also need to perform the steps above in the remote machine.
Step 2. Configure the Remote Machine
The smart card can now be redirected to the remote PC.
Step 3. Establish the Remote Desktop Connection
To share smart card reader over network, we must establish a connection between the local and remote machines.
That’s it! The RDP smart card reader solution (or native method) will enable you to remotely use the smart card reader connected to the local machine.
NOTE: While the native method is straightforward, users usually encounter problems where the
smart card is not working in Remote Desktop sessions.
Some common issues of USB smart card reader over RDP are:
• Poor smart card reader performance due to incompatible or outdated drivers.
• Failure to establish smart card redirection due to lack of administrative privileges.
• Failure to “detect” smart card as some ports are blocked due to firewalls or network policies.
While the native method seems straightforward, it can be unreliable at times. Even if you correctly set up the smart card reader RDP, it may not work seamlessly. So, you might need to reconfigure the settings, which can be overly complex.
If you find the RDP and smart card reader solution unreliable or complex, you can use some third-party tools for remote smart card access.
Currently, FlexiHub and USB Network Gate are the most intuitive and seamless ways to establish remote desktop smart card access.
FlexiHub is a universal service software for remote connection to USB & COM devices. This program enables sharing of smart card readers over the network.
With its user-friendly interface, fast setup process, and secure connection, FlexiHub can overcome the limitations of the native RDP smart card reader solution.
Read an in-depth case study on remote access to medical cards using FlexiHub!
Follow our step-by-step guide below to easily use FlexiHub for remote smart card reader access.
The smart card reader will now appear in the remote system as if it’s physically connected.
Here are some upsides of using FlexiHub as a better alternative compared to the native method.
As with FlexiHub, USB Network Gate is a well-designed software solution that facilitates sharing of USB smart card readers over the network.
Compared to the native method, USB Network Gate provides a simpler and faster process to establish remote smart card reader access. Here’s how you can use the tool:
USB Network Gate streamlines the process of creating a remote connection between a smart card reader and a client machine. Specifically, this tool has the following advantages:
Whether you use the native RDP method or an alternative third-party software, you’ll still encounter potential issues that might affect the remote connection.
In this section, we discuss some common problems so you can find ways to troubleshoot remote smart card reader issues (RDP).
Hardware Compatibility
Software Compatibility
Potential Solutions:
Before implementing remote connection, ensure that the smart card reader and the smart cards are supported by the remote access solution. Also, keep all device drivers and firmware up-to-date.
Potential Solution:
Use this detailed guide to correctly setup remote access via RDP and keep records of your configuration settings. If you’re working in an office setup, consider consulting with your IT professionals to perform the process on your behalf.
Potential Solutions:
Use Encryption to secure data transmission such as SSL/TLS, establish multi-factor authentication, and conduct periodic security assessments to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Potential Solutions:
You can adjust settings in your remote access software to enhance performance. For example, you can enable compression or reconfigure the caching mechanisms. Also, check if critical applications work correctly over the remote connection before full deployment.
Conclusion
To enjoy the benefits of remote smart card reader access, you can use the native RDP method or opt for more user-friendly third-party solutions like FlexiHub and USB Network Gate. While the native method is cost-effective, it can be complex and prone to issues. Alternative software offers a more straightforward and reliable solution for RDP smart card reader access.
