What is RDP?

What is RDP?

Remote control of a computer, connection to a desktop - all this is possible using several methods. The most popular option is RDP, that is, “remote desktop protocol”. What are the features of this technology? What are the functional capabilities, advantages and disadvantages? How to use it correctly?

A little history

The need to create a remote access technology arose several decades ago - the potential advantages seemed obvious. Administrators could be thousands of kilometers away from the servers they serviced, while configuring them as accurately as possible, using them effectively, realizing the available hardware capacity.

Technical capabilities, however, were initially very limited, so the first developments date back to the early 90s of the last century. The pioneer was Citrix, its protocol turned out to be functional, easy to learn, suitable for both administrators with special requirements and ordinary users.

A breakthrough in the industry under study occurred in the late 90s, when Microsoft released the RDP protocol to the public domain. The set of available functions, in comparison with the Citrix product, was expanded, speed and performance increased significantly.

Microsoft specialists did not stop there, they modified RDP, introduced new functions, in particular:

• Transfer of audio, graphic files, video.
• Efficient use of not only the main computer equipment, but also peripherals, scanners, printers, external storage devices, flash cards.

Since the early 2000s, RDP has been available to all Windows users, private and corporate. In its modern version, it helps in prompt and effective resolution of issues related to remote work and configuration.

What is RDP used for?

The protocol allows you to effectively solve the following tasks:

• IT infrastructure management. Administrators can monitor the operation of servers regardless of their geographic location, which helps to promptly eliminate emerging problems, change the system configuration, update applications without direct presence.
• Efficient work of the support service. The administrator can process a client's request without going to him. Through remote access to the desktop, it will be possible to diagnose, understand the nature of the problem, fix it by changing settings, installing updates and other methods.
• Virtualization. RDP makes it possible to provide access to a virtual workplace, which ensures effective interaction between colleagues from different cities and even countries.
• Improved security. RDP supports two-factor authentication algorithms, data encryption, which guarantees security during data transfer, makes its interception useless, often impossible. Transfer of even confidential, commercial information is allowed.

Who needs the protocol?

Most often, RDP is used by the following departments, enterprises and organizations:

• Companies that have decided to transfer employees to remote work. You can even do without a physical office, business trips and other expense items without harming labor productivity, the effectiveness of solving the assigned tasks. These can be not only commercial, but also educational institutions, RDP allows you to organize the educational process.
• User support services. Such are available from providers, mobile operators, private and public organizations with a developed IT infrastructure. Remote problem solving is as effective as the administrator's direct presence at the user's computer who encountered it.
• Multinational companies employing specialists from different countries. The protocol allows all employees to interact with maximum efficiency.

How it works

Remote desktop access involves a user computer, the client, connecting to a server. When a connection is established, support for encryption methods and other algorithms that guarantee security is checked. The further sequence of actions is as follows:

• Authorization. The standard option is for the client to enter a name and password, however, in systems with higher security and confidentiality requirements, more complex schemes can be used.
• Formation of a remote communication session by the server. In this case, the desktop is displayed with all icons, menu items and elements. The quality of the transmitted graphic signal is adjusted depending on the server load, channel bandwidth, which reduces the delay to a minimum, up to complete absence.
• Providing feedback with the server. The client computer sends data on actions performed, changes in settings, connection and disconnection of peripheral devices.

On the issue of security

To eliminate security issues when using the RDP protocol, it is recommended to use the following tools:

• Encryption. Information is transmitted in encrypted form, so that even its interception is useless.
• Sophisticated authentication methods. The optimal one is two-factor, which involves entering not only the username and password, but also a one-time code.
• Distribution of rights. User rights must be strictly delimited to exclude accidental erroneous or intentional actions.
• Use antivirus software from trusted developers, timely database updates.
• Continuous monitoring. It is necessary to control the remote communication session in order to immediately record unauthorized connections and suspicious actions. Additionally, it is recommended to keep a log indicating all events.
• Using current versions of programs. The latest editions are not only more functional, but also more reliable. Developers release “patches” aimed at eliminating even non-obvious, potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by intruders.
• Properly configure the firewall. The most reliable option is to register allowed IP addresses; access from all others not specified in the list is automatically blocked.
• Limiting the number of authorization attempts. This function eliminates the possibility of logging in by selecting a password, listing possible combinations. When the number of unsuccessful attempts exceeds the set limit, either the user's time or the entire IP address is temporarily blocked.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of the RDP protocol is explained by its numerous advantages, the most significant of which are the following:

• Maximum convenience. Thanks to the remote connection protocol, specialists can perform their duties without being at a physical workplace, access to the Internet is enough. Now, when many companies are transferring employees to a remote format, this advantage is becoming especially relevant.
• Optimization of costs. First of all, transport, system administrators, technical support representatives do not have to go out for each client request, many problems can be solved remotely.
• Increased security level. Data is transmitted in encrypted format, which eliminates the risk of illegal connection and unauthorized access.
• Scalability and control variability. The protocol allows for changing the number of users, using new workstations as needed, suitable for both small businesses and large organizations.

The protocol has far fewer disadvantages, and their number is reduced with each new version. In early versions, there were problems with simultaneous connection of a large number of users, low connection speed, reactions to administrator actions, however, they have now been corrected.

Usage instructions

RDP is usually used on Windows operating systems. The sequence of actions is as follows:

• Activating the protocol. The required item is in the “System and Security” section and the “System” tab.
• Configuring security settings, activating the firewall, adding port 3389 to the exceptions category, using VPN and other encryption protocols.
• Configuring access rights. You need to specify users who will be able to connect to the system, register their rights.
• Opening the “Remote Desktop Connection” utility on the computer from the control system. You need to specify the host or IP address of the device to which you plan to connect.

Despite the fact that RDP is a development of Microsoft engineers, there are versions for other operating systems. For example, on macOS you can use the proprietary Remote Desktop application. The setup and connection process in this case is identical to Windows.

Author of the article:

Editor-in-Chief

Danaev Almaz