Server/Networking Possibilities - Can it be done?

[Tazzi]

Lets start with the situation!
Currently i have a couple different virtual machines on the laptop that I use out in field. Problem is there are extremely slow, and absolutely do my head in
There are used for things like Fords IDS with VCM2 plugged in. Running the VM runs my laptop full pelt, so it gets to some extreme temperatures.. luckily Toshia has inbuilt cpu throttling once over certain temp but evidently slows it all down.

So.. what Id like to do is this:
- Have server (A proper server..) at home with something like 'vsphere ESXi' installed onto it to run the different VM's on.
- Connect the scantool (VCM2) through my laptop in the field.. and then connect to the server through the web and use IDS on the servers VM.

First off.. is this possible?? Can the VCM2 device be transmitted/connected through the server VM? Since it will communicate with the software installed on that VM.
Similar to how on a normal virtual machine on a laptop, you can connct/disconnect devices to the VM so either the host or VM has the device.

I can see pros and cons of the above...
Pros:
- CPU load will be minimal
- More storage on laptop
- Any laptop anywhere could connect to with suitable scantool
- In the cloud.. cause its the hype these days

Cons:
- Will require internet access everywhere
- Lag/delay might be an issue.. unsure about that on
- Probably consume a shitload of power.

If anyone has ANY input on this.. please chime in before I impulse buy somethign that I know nothig about
Ex-servers seem to vary significantly in price, been looking at something like this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232230895804

[Tazzi]

The alternative is to give up the above dream... buy another laptop.. partition its drive a few times and select from various OS at boot.
But obviously.. I much prefer the server side of things.

[Gareth]

I have very similar issues with my laptop and I already have a server for other reasons, will be watching this with great interest.

[antus]

Its possible but the additional lag and potential data drops over say wifi from out in the field might cause you wierd problems. You would probably want a vpn layer for extra security, wouldnt want vnc or rdesktop straight on the net. In theory you could secure it but it wont be as robust or safe as a vpn layer, especially with out of support OS which is often needed for some older car apps.

Real question is why the vm uses 100% cpu. If you have enough ram in laptop and right ram (not neccessarily more) configured in the vm you should be able to avoid swapping which creates significant load. Win XP has an issue where it sucks 100% in some VMs. This is a fault and not the norm. VM OS should use idle cycles and vm software should scale back the virtual and physical cpu.

Ive seen this on several XP VMs but havnt quite gotten to the bottom of it. Old install and its ok, let it update and 100% cpu in vmware. Ive seen it related to core count but in my case 1 or 2 virtual cores and it happens but only xp sp3 with all released updates.

[Tazzi]

I have very similar issues with my laptop and I already have a server for other reasons, will be watching this with great interest.

psyolent might have an idea? Think I read he tinkers with servers in another thread?? Maybe??

[antus]

If you do want to keep it simple turn on rdesktop and use mstsc client, but think hard about security, straight on net very much not recommended.

[Tazzi]

Yeah, security would be the next step.. I already have a VPN so can use that also

I was hoping in this digital age, using 4G would be ok. I use it all the time for doing updates/programming in field without any problems. Only time there is an issue is when there is no internet! haha.

I would have thought my laptop is fine for it, theres 12gb ram DDR3 1600mhz. Laptop also uses SSD and dual core intel i5.
Everyday use for literally everything else is no problem including all the different 3d modelling apps, programming IDEs ect.

My VM's use win7, which all startup and work fine. Only starts using alot of CPU when I start needing to use those applications like IDS, TIS, GDS2 ect. Have tried with no updates on a fresh install and with all updates and still same deal.
Plenty of ram is set aside for the VM's, 6Gb set to them.

Think its just a bit too much to ask for the dear ol laptop.

[Tazzi]

If you do want to keep it simple turn on rdesktop and use mstsc client, but think hard about security, straight on net very much not recommended.

Ok, just reading up on that now.

Looks like it would be idea if running another computer at home and connecting. But that then leads me back to just using another laptop dedicated to using that specific car application instead.

[wozza]

Hi
Just a thought but are you running laptop of battery when in the field? most laptops throttle the cpu when on battery power even when you use software to tell it otherwise...
I find it best to use a external power source when logging I use one of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DCDC-USB-Int ... Sw6EhUNsuM

[Tazzi]

Hi
Just a thought but are you running laptop of battery when in the field? most laptops throttle the cpu when on battery power even when you use software to tell it otherwise...
I find it best to use a external power source when logging I use one of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DCDC-USB-Int ... Sw6EhUNsuM

Thought of that, currently at home, when on battery or plugged in it does the same.