- Remote Desktop Protocol was developed
by Microsoft to provide a graphical terminal
for a remotely connected client.
This functionality is also known
as a terminal server or terminal services.
It listens for connections on TCP port 3389.
In essence, RDP allows a client to connect
to a server through a software interface.
This user is presented with what looks
like a complete desktop through this application.
It can also run an application mode
which loads a shortcut from the user's desktop.
It appears as if it's a standard application,
when in reality it's an RDP session established
from the server.
Every version of windows since windows XP
has a copy of the RDP client installed.
A version of the RDP server was introduced
into Windows XP versions saved for home
to act as a remote administration portal.
Terminal services have been available
on Windows server since Windows NT 4.0
Terminal Server Edition.
Standard windows servers since 2000
have included terminal services allowing
two users to connect remotely for
administrative purposes.
The newest version supports a plethora
of great features like 32 bit color;
TLS 128-bit encryption using the
RC four algorithm;
Audio redirection which allows audio
to be processed remotely then sent to the client;
File system redirection allowing local files
to be used over the RDP session;
Printer redirection which allows local printers
to be used over a remote session;
Port redirection for use of local ports
over the remote session;
Clipboard sharing;
Terminal Services Gateways now allow
a client to connect via TCP Port 443
to an IAS server.
This will proxy a client to an internal
terminal server;
Bandwidth tuning for when connectivity;
Multiple monitor support and remote FX
was introduced in Windows server 2008 R2SP1
to include virtualized GPU support.
Like most popular software packages,
there are Open-source versions
for non-Windows operating systems
like Linux and Mac.
This covers both client and server versions.
More and more enterprises are moving to
a Thin Client model.
Browser-based clients are starting to gain
in popularity.
This prevents an admin from having to
install any client software at all.
More and more enterprises are moving
to a Thin Client model.
This means users connect via lightweight terminals
from their remote office to a central server.
This central terminal server is usually
co-located in a data center.
Data centers generally have redundant power,
as well as redundant connectivity,
which will provide a higher level
of reliability for end clients.
Centralized servers can also lower
the administrative burden for CIS admins.
Instead of having to maintain
multiple desktop PCs they only
have to facilitate updates on a
handful of servers.
Also, the Thin Clients usually cost less
than a traditional PC and don't need
to be cycled out at regular intervals.
RDP is key to many enterprises and now
you should have a few solid ideas why.