On-Site vs Remote OpenClaw Setup: Which Is Right for Your Team?
OpenClaw can be installed remotely (via SSH/screen-share) or on-site (physical visit). Both work, but the right choice depends on your network complexity, security policies, and whether your team needs hands-on training.
Why This Is Hard to Do Yourself
These are the common pitfalls that trip people up.
Complex office network
Your office has VLANs, firewalls, and security policies. Remote troubleshooting network issues is painful.
Budget constraints
On-site installation costs more due to travel time. You want to know if remote setup can work to save money.
Team training needed
Your team needs hands-on training, not just a screen-share walkthrough.
Step-by-Step Guide
Assess your network complexity
Simple home or coworking network with open internet and Wi-Fi? Remote setup works fine. Corporate office with VLANs, managed switches, and firewall appliances? On-site inspection saves hours of troubleshooting blind.
Determine if you have SSH access
Remote setup requires SSH access to the target machine. If your Mac Mini is not yet set up, or if SSH is blocked by corporate policy, you need on-site installation. On-site installers bring a keyboard, mouse, and monitor if needed.
Evaluate security policies
Some companies prohibit remote access tools (SSH, screen-share) for security. Others require that servers be physically inspected by approved vendors. If your IT department has these policies, on-site is the only option.
Check if hardware is already purchased
If you haven't bought hardware yet, an on-site installer can advise on specs and verify compatibility during setup. Remote installers assume you already have compatible hardware.
Consider team training requirements
If your team needs to physically see the hardware, learn where cables go, and practice restarting the Mac Mini, on-site training is more effective than screen-share. For purely software concerns, remote training works fine.
Compare cost vs convenience
Remote setup is typically 30-50% cheaper because there's no travel time. On-site installation costs more but eliminates network guesswork, allows physical troubleshooting, and provides better training. Calculate your break-even: is the time saved debugging worth the extra cost?
Understand what remote setup cannot do
Remote installers cannot physically mount hardware, run ethernet cables, diagnose hardware failures, or configure switches/firewalls they can't access. If any of these apply, you need on-site help.
Warning: Remote setup assumes you have working hardware, network connectivity, and the ability to grant the installer SSH access. If any of these are uncertain, on-site installation is safer.
When to choose remote setup
Choose remote if: simple network, SSH access available, hardware already working, team comfortable with screen-share training, budget-conscious.
When to choose on-site installation
Choose on-site if: complex office network, no SSH access, hardware not yet purchased, security policies prohibit remote access, team needs hands-on training, or you value speed over cost.
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