Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft which provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection. The user employs RDP client software for this purpose, while the other computer must run RDP server software. To establish the connection, the client software must be installed on the user’s local computer and the server software must be installed on the remote computer that will accept the incoming connection.

RDP provides the user with a graphical interface and, depending on the permissions granted to the user, access to a remote computer’s applications, files, printers, and other network resources. It is typically used by system administrators and IT professionals to provide technical support and troubleshooting for users located on other computers.

RDP is widely used in enterprise networks, typically for administrative purposes. It is also widely used on home networks, allowing users to access their home computers from other computers or from mobile devices. Mobile devices capable of running an RDP client app or webapp include iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows phones, and tablets.

RDP is based on the ITU-T T.125 protocol (previously referred to as the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector Remote Desktop Protocol) and is layered on top of the ITU-T T.128 application sharing protocol. Data within an RDP session may be encrypted using one of several encryption algorithms, such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

RDP eliminates the need for users to buy and maintain expensive software on their local computers or mobile devices in order to access applications on the remote machine. Additionally, it provides more secure access to files and data than an FTP connection can provide on its own.

RDP is included as a feature in all recent versions of Windows and in all editions of Windows server software. It can also be enabled in Linux distributions, allowing users to access their Linux systems from the same remote tools.