apache/guacamole-server
FreeThe Apache Guacamole proxy daemon (guacd), C API (libguac), and protocol support.
FreeFree tier
About apache/guacamole-server
Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that supports standard protocols like VNC, RDP, SSH, and Telnet. The guacamole-server package provides the proxy daemon (guacd), the C API (libguac), and protocol support libraries. It translates between arbitrary remote desktop protocols and the Guacamole protocol, a text-based protocol optimized for JavaScript consumption, enabling browser-based remote access without plugins.
Key Features
Proxy daemon (guacd) translating between arbitrary protocols and the Guacamole protocol
C API (libguac) for building Guacamole-compatible applications
Protocol support libraries for VNC, RDP, SSH, Telnet, and more
Efficient text-based protocol for easy JavaScript processing
Support for audio within VNC via PulseAudio
Support for SFTP file transfer for VNC and RDP
Support for WebP image compression
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source under Apache License 2.0
- Clientless access – no plugins or client software needed on user machines
- Supports multiple remote desktop protocols (VNC, RDP, SSH, Telnet)
- Lightweight proxy daemon design with text-based protocol for performance
Cons
- Requires compilation of dependencies (Cairo, libjpeg, libpng, OSSP UUID)
- Not a standalone application; depends on the Guacamole web application (guacamole-client) for user interface
- Optional protocols require additional dependencies (FreeRDP for RDP, libssh2 for SSH, etc.)
Best For
Browser-based remote desktop access to servers and workstationsCentralized remote access gateway for enterprise environmentsIntegrating remote desktop capabilities into web applicationsProviding secure remote support without installing client software
FAQ
What is guacamole-server?
guacamole-server is the core of the Apache Guacamole stack, consisting of guacd (the proxy daemon), libguac (C API), and protocol support libraries. It translates between remote desktop protocols (VNC, RDP, SSH, Telnet) and the Guacamole text-based protocol.
What protocols are supported?
Guacamole supports VNC, RDP, SSH, and Telnet. Audio within VNC requires PulseAudio, and SFTP file transfer for VNC and RDP requires libssh2 and OpenSSL. WebP compression is also supported.
How is guacamole-server licensed?
Guacamole is open source under the Apache License 2.0.