How RDP Works

[chushpan]

What is RDP?​

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is a protocol developed by Microsoft that allows you to control a remote computer through a graphical interface. With RDP, a user can connect to another device, see its desktop, and interact with it as if he were working on that computer directly.

RDP is widely used for:

• Remote administration of servers.
• Access to your office computer desktop from home.
• Technical support for users.
• Working with programs installed on a remote computer.
• Carding to match the IP address to the billing address of the legitimate card owner.

How does RDP work?​

RDP works on the principle of client-server architecture. Here are the main stages of work:

1. Connecting the client to the server​

1. Client:
   • The user launches a client application (such as Remote Desktop Connection in Windows) and specifies the IP address or domain name of the remote computer.
2. Server:
   • The remote computer must be configured to accept connections via RDP. This can be done in Windows settings ("System Properties" → "Remote Desktop").

2. Authentication​

1. The client sends credentials (login and password) to log into the remote computer.
2. The server checks this data and, if it is correct, allows the connection.

3. Data transfer​

1. Graphical interface:
   • RDP transmits an image of the remote computer's desktop to the client.
   • The client sends commands (such as mouse movements, keystrokes) back to the server.
2. Traffic optimization:
   • RDP uses compression and other techniques to minimize the amount of data transferred. For example, instead of full screen refreshes, only changes are transferred.

4. Interaction​

1. The user sees the desktop of the remote computer and can perform any actions: run programs, edit files, configure the system.
2. All actions are performed on the remote computer, but are displayed on the user's local device.

Basic functions of RDP​

1. Remote access:
   • Allows you to control your computer from anywhere in the world.
2. File transfer:
   • RDP supports file sharing between local and remote computers.
3. Working with peripherals:
   • You can connect local devices (printers, USB drives) to a remote computer.
4. Audio and video:
   • Audio and video streams can be redirected to a local device.
5. Multiplayer mode:
   • In some cases, RDP allows multiple users to connect to a single server at the same time.

Example of RDP operation​

Scenario: Remote Work​

1. The user is at home and wants to access his work computer in the office.
2. He launches the Remote Desktop Connection application and enters the IP address of the office computer.
3. After successful authentication, the user sees the desktop of the office computer.
4. The user can run programs, edit documents, and perform other tasks as if he were in the office.

Advantages of RDP​

1. Convenience:
   • Ability to control a remote computer via a graphical interface.
2. Performance:
   • RDP optimizes data transfer, which reduces the load on the network.
3. Safety:
   • Support encryption (e.g. TLS/SSL) to protect your data.
4. Flexibility:
   • Works on different platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
5. Built-in support:
   • RDP is built into Windows, making it easy to use.

Disadvantages of RDP​

1. Network dependency:
   • RDP requires a stable internet connection. If the connection is poor, delays may occur.
2. Limited graphics performance:
   • RDP is not suitable for running high-performance graphics applications (such as games or 3D modeling).
3. Security risks:
   • Incorrectly configured RDP can become vulnerable to attacks (for example, brute-force passwords).
4. Licensing:
   • Commercial use of RDP on Windows servers requires a license.

How to set up RDP?​

Setting up on a remote computer​

1. Open System Properties → Remote Desktop.
2. Enable the "Allow remote connections to this computer" option.
3. Configure your firewall to allow incoming connections on port 3389 (default for RDP).

Connecting from a local device​

1. Launch the Remote Desktop Connection application.
2. Enter the IP address or domain name of the remote computer.
3. Please enter your login credentials.

RDP Security​

1. Using strong passwords:
   • Prevents brute force attacks.
2. Change port:
   • By default, RDP uses port 3389. Changing the port reduces the risk of automated attacks.
3. VPN:
   • Use a VPN for extra connection security.
4. Two-factor authentication (2FA):
   • Adds an extra layer of security.
5. Monitoring and blocking suspicious IPs:
   • Use tools to monitor connections and block intruders.

Conclusion​

RDP is a convenient and powerful tool for remote computer management. It allows you to work effectively with remote systems, but requires attention to configuration and security. If you plan to use RDP for work or administration, it is important to follow security recommendations to avoid vulnerabilities.

If you have additional questions about how RDP works or examples of its use, ask them!

 

[Man]

How does RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) work?​

RDP is a proprietary protocol from Microsoft that allows you to remotely connect to a computer or server and work with it as if you were sitting right in front of it.

1. Basic principles of work​

1.1. Participants in the process​

• Client (your PC/phone) - initiates the connection.
• Server (remote computer) - accepts the connection and transmits the image.
• Network - Internet or local area network (LAN).

1.2 How is data transferred?​

1. Establishing a connection
   • The client connects to the server via port 3389 (default).
   • Authentication occurs (login/password or certificate).
2. Transfer of graphics and input
   • The server transmits the screen image in compressed form (usually H.264).
   • The client sends keystrokes and mouse movements .
3. Additional functions
   • Transfer of sound, clipboard, files.
   • Multiple monitor support.

2. Technical features​

2.1. Protocols and codecs​

• Main protocol: RDP 8.0+ (4K support, improved compression).
• Codecs:
  • H.264 - for video.
  • RemoteFX — for 3D graphics (virtualization).

2.2. Security​

• Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 (previously RC4 was used).
• Authentication:
  • Password (not secure unless protected by VPN).
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • Network Level Authentication (NLA) - verification before opening a session.

2.3. Forwarding devices​

• Printers - you can print from a remote PC to a local one.
• USB devices - flash drives, keys (requires settings).
• Microphone and webcam - for video calls.

3. Where is RDP used?​

Scenario	Example
Remote work	Access to your work PC from home.
Server Administration	Windows Server Management.
Games and Streaming	Launching games on a powerful PC from a laptop.
Technical support	Helping users via remote access.

4. How to set up RDP?​

4.1. On the server side (Windows)​

1. Enable RDP:
   • Control Panel → System → Remote Access Settings.
   • Allow connections and add users.
2. Configure firewall:
   • Open port 3389 (or change it for security).
3. Additional settings (optional):
   • Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA).
   • Limit client IP addresses.

4.2. On the client side​

1. Standard Client (Windows):
   • mstsc.exe → enter server IP → connect.
2. Alternative clients:
   • macOS/Linux: Remmina, Microsoft Remote Desktop.
   • Android/iOS: Official app from Microsoft.
3. Via the Internet (if the server is not in a local network):
   • Port forwarding on a router (unsafe!).
   • VPN → then RDP (recommended).

5. Pros and Cons of RDP[​

✔ Pros​

• High speed (optimized for Windows).
• Full control over the remote PC.
• Transmission of sound, printers, USB.

✖ Cons​

• Vulnerabilities (if BlueKeep is not updated, for example).
• Requires a Windows Server license.
• Not suitable for Linux (there are analogues: VNC, X2Go).

6. Alternatives to RDP​

Protocol	Pros	Cons
VNC	Cross-platform	Slower, no sound transmission
TeamViewer/AnyDesk	Simplicity	Limitations in the free version
SSH + X11	For Linux	Complex setup

Conclusion​

1. RDP is the best choice for remote access to Windows.
2. Security: Always use VPN + NLA.
3. Alternatives: If you need Linux or macOS - VNC or TeamViewer.

Need help setting up? Ready to help!