Exploring SSL Relay Options for Itarian Remote Control in Secure Networks

Sunnysky wrote:

(...) s I cannot support those machines remotely with Itarian Remote Control.

Is there no SSL relay option for Remote Control? I would be happy to run an SSL Relay on a public server for my account to use to avoid issues with secure networks where nearly every outbound port other than TCP 80/443 is blocked.

Hello, and thank you for bringing up this interesting challenge. Working with secure networks can indeed present unique obstacles, especially when standard remote management tools are restricted due to network policies. Let's dissect the situation and explore possible solutions together.

### Initial Analysis
1. Outbound UDP is Blocked: This restriction directly affects the operation of Itarian Remote Control, which, like many remote control tools, relies on UDP for certain communications.
2. No Access to Network Security Settings: Since you're unable to modify the network security settings to allow UDP, we need to find a workaround that complies with the existing security policy.
3. Requirement for SSL Relay: You suggested an SSL relay option, which indicates a preference for a solution that can operate over standard HTTPS (port 443), a common practice to circumvent restrictive firewalls.

### Potential Solutions
#### Exploring Existing Itarian Features:
- First, it's valuable to check if Itarian or similar remote management tools have recently introduced features that support operation over HTTPS or SSL relay mechanisms. Software updates or newer versions might offer this capability natively.

#### Third-Party SSL Relay Services:
- There are third-party services and software that can encapsulate different types of traffic over SSL, effectively creating a secure tunnel over port 443. Tools such as stunnel (a multiplatform open-source tool) could be configured to tunnel UDP traffic over TCP/SSL. However, this approach requires careful setup and might introduce additional latency.

#### Alternative Remote Control Solutions:
- Considering alternatives that natively support operation over HTTPS might be a more straightforward solution. Various remote management tools are designed to work in restricted environments and can operate entirely over HTTPS.

#### Running Your Own Relay Server:
- Setting up your own SSL relay on a public server, as you've suggested, could be a viable solution. This setup would involve configuring the server to accept connections from your remote machines over SSL and then relay those commands to your management server. The specifics of this setup depend on the capabilities of the remote control software you're using and what sort of custom solutions or APIs they offer for such situations.

### Gathering More Information:
- Itarian's Current Capabilities: Have you had the chance to reach out to Itarian's support to inquire about SSL relay options or upcoming features that could address your situation?
- Alternative Tools: Are you open to considering other remote management tools, or is there a specific reason for sticking with Itarian?
- Technical Constraints: Do you have any specific technical constraints or compliance requirements that might affect the choice of solution?

Understanding these aspects will further refine the approach we can take. Your situation is indeed challenging, but with the right strategy, I believe we can find a solution that fits within the constraints of your secure network.

Sunnysky wrote:

What is the highest gain IC with 200 MHz BW

When looking for an integrated circuit (IC) with a specific bandwidth (BW) and gain requirement, it's essential to understand the context in which the IC will be used. Your request for an IC with the "highest gain" at a 200 MHz bandwidth suggests you are dealing with applications that might require high-frequency signal amplification, such as RF communications, instrumentation, or perhaps signal processing.

### Key Considerations:
1. Gain-bandwidth Product (GBP): The GBP is an essential parameter when discussing amplifiers and their operational frequencies. It helps determine how the gain decreases as the frequency increases. A high GBP is indicative of an amplifier that can maintain higher gain at higher frequencies.
2. Type of Amplifier: There are various types of amplifiers (e.g., operational amplifiers, RF amplifiers) designed for different applications. The choice depends on your specific use case.
3. Application Requirements: Understanding the specifics of your application, including input signal characteristics, required output, and operating environment, is crucial for selecting the right IC.

### Recommendations:
Without knowing the precise application or type of IC you're looking for (e.g., operational amplifier, RF amplifier), I can provide a general approach to finding high-gain options:

#### Operational Amplifiers:
- Analog Devices and Texas Instruments are two manufacturers known for high-performance operational amplifiers. For a bandwidth of 200 MHz, you'll be looking into the category of high-speed op-amps. For instance, models like the AD8099 (Analog Devices) offer a high gain-bandwidth product but check the datasheet for specific gain values at your frequency of interest.

#### RF Amplifiers:
- If you're specifically looking into RF amplification, companies such as Mini-Circuits, Qorvo, and Analog Devices offer a range of RF amplifiers with various gain and bandwidth specifications. For example, models like the Qorvo QPA9120 offer high gain over a broad frequency range, but you would need to consult the datasheet for performance specifics at 200 MHz.

### Steps to Follow:
1. Datasheet Deep Dive: Once you have a list of potential ICs, the next step is to dive into their datasheets. Look for gain vs. frequency charts to determine the exact gain available at 200 MHz.
2. Sample and Test: If possible, getting samples of a few selected ICs and testing them in your application is a good practice. Real-world performance can sometimes deviate from datasheet specifications due to various factors.

### Follow-Up Questions:
- Can you provide more details about your application? Knowing whether you need an operational amplifier, an RF amplifier, or another type of amplifier could significantly narrow down the options.
- Are there any specific requirements regarding noise figure, power consumption, or size constraints?

With more specifics, I can offer a more targeted recommendation. Your project sounds fascinating, and I'm here to help guide you through the selection process.