What Is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)? - IT Glossary | SolarWinds (2024)

• RDP Definition

  Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), a secure network communication protocol offered by Microsoft, allows users to execute remote operations on other computers. It facilitates secure information exchange between remotely connected machines over an encrypted communication channel.

• How secure is Windows RDP?

  Despite having advanced security features such as network-level authentication (NLA), Remote Desktop Protocol is prone to cyberattacks. Nearly all inbound and outbound RDP connection requests happen at TCP port 3389, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept the communication between remote machines by launching a man-in-the-middle attack. Attackers can also impersonate one of the communicating parties to control the RDP server. The use of similar passwords for remote login also makes RDP susceptible to brute-force attacks. Additionally, the BlueKeep vulnerability in RDP allows attackers to infiltrate and control an organization's network. Though you can avoid such attacks with strong password management and firewall setup for RDP, it’s better to employ a comprehensiveRDP securitysolution like SolarWinds^®Dameware^®.

  SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)offers more advanced functionality than Microsoft RDP, ensuring robust security and connectivity during remote sessions. It also has a cloud variant inSolarWinds Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE)with effective remote troubleshooting capabilities.

  Outlined below are some of features of Dameware designed to make it asecure remote access solution:

  • Multi-platform support:Dameware enables IT teams to access a variety of devices—including Windows-, Linux-, and macOS-based computers—securely and remotely. Additionally, you can control Android or iOS mobile devices by installing the Dameware mobile app.
  • Robust authentication and authorization:Dameware offers enterprise-grade security features and safeguards valuable user data during remote sessions. It uses advanced encryption algorithms such as AES 256 and RC4 to encrypt data during remote sessions, preventing unauthorized users from stealing sensitive information. Additionally, multi-factor authentication ensures only approved users access the remote devices.
  • Remote troubleshooting:Configuring the Dameware Client Agent for unattended sessions allows you to troubleshoot problems remotely without interrupting ongoing end-user activities. Moreover, you can reboot remote computer systems, install software applications, and debug operating system errors quickly and securely. Likewise, support for remote chat and video calling is also available for accelerated troubleshooting.
  • Active Directory management:Dameware Remote Support comes with a centralized console for managing multiple users, groups, and Active Directory domains from a single location. You can modify existing user permissions, change passwords, and manage group-level policies to enhance security controls and ensure only authorized users can connect to remote devices.
  • Remote access for hibernating and crashed computers:With Kernel Virtual Machine (KVM), Intel vPro, and Wake-on-LAN technology, Dameware lets you remotely access and power up sleeping or hibernating computers. In addition, you can adjust the BIOS settings and restart crashed computers with these advanced technologies.
  • Integrated, proprietary internet proxy:IT staff can provide technical support to end users outside their corporate firewalls using the Dameware secure internet proxy. IT teams don't need to manually configure a proxy using a VPN to run remote sessions while using Dameware.

• How to use Remote Desktop Protocol

  RDP server and RDP client are two essential entities in an RDP connection. The former is the Windows PC receiving the remote connection request, and the latter is the device or machine initiating the request. Typically, users leverage the built-in Remote Desktop Connection tool or the Microsoft RDP client software to connect to the remote machine running the RDP server software. Remember, the ability to enable Remote Desktop isn’t present in all Windows versions, so you can't configure the RDP server on every Windows PC. Furthermore, Windows devices with the Remote Desktop option only support a single RDP connection. For multiple user connections, setting up a Windows server with Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is necessary.

  Enable Remote Desktop on Windows PC

  Configuring remote connections on Windows PC is pretty straightforward. Outlined below are detailed steps:

  For Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise Edition

  1. Click on the start button, go to Settings, select System Settings, and enable the Remote Desktop option. Note the PC name so you can use it later during the Remote Desktop Connection.
     
  2. Enable Network-Level Authentication (NLA) in Advanced Settings to ensure only authorized users can connect to the RDP server.

  Connect to Remote Desktop/RDP Server on Windows

  1. Go to the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection in the search bar, and choose Remote Desktop Connection.
     
  2. In the Remote Desktop Connection pop-up wizard, type the name or IP address of the PC to which you want to connect.
     
  3. Click Show Options and enter the account username you’ll use to establish a remote connection. Additionally, you can configure the display resolution, local resources, and connection quality from the adjacent tabs. Once done, click Connect.
     
  4. A warning message will appear in the pop-up window saying the remote computer's identity isn’t verified. Discard the warning and click Yes. This will enable the remote connection, giving you the option to execute multiple tasks on a remote desktop.

  See Also

  Remote Desktop (RDP) Requirements - IT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What’s the difference between RDP and RDS?

  Remote Desktop Services, formerly known as Terminal Services, is a crucial part of Windows Server designed to allow users to access off-site computers from their local machines. Establishing an RDP connection is vital for Remote Desktop Services to function correctly. RDS is based on the thin client architecture and offers two solutions: RemoteApp and Remote Desktop. The RemoteApp option allows remote users to access and run applications actually deployed on a central server. In contrast, Remote Desktop enables users to connect to virtual desktops from their local machines.

  Remote Desktop Protocolis a network communication protocol or standard designed to facilitate a remote connection between the RDP client machine and the RDP server. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services runs on top of this protocol. Unlike RDS, Remote Desktop Protocol mainly deals with sending user clicks or commands from the remote client to the server and delivering appropriate screen changes from the host computer to the client.

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