The page explains how to set up remote desktop access to campus computers using the RD Gateway instead of VPN. While VPN has been a popular means for access campus resources, due to security and cost concerns alternatives to VPN are increasingly being used for different kinds of access. The RD Gateway is the alternative solution for remote desktop access.
Windows Client Procedure
Below are the steps for using a Remote Desktop connection that via UT's RD Gateway. You will have the option of starting with a pre-made connection file that already includes the RG Gateway information or else manually specifying the RD Gateway information yourself.
1. Set up a connection that uses the RD Gateway using one of these two options:
A. Generate a RDP connection file using our custom web application at https://secure.mccombs.utexas.edu/public/rdgw <<-- easiest option!
- Click here to generate and download a RDP connection file that connects to a specified computer through the RD Gateway: https://secure.mccombs.utexas.edu/public/rdgw
- After entering the name of the computer you want to connect to, click the "Download Connection File" button.
- Depending on your settings, your web browser should either save the file to your normal download folder or else will prompt you save it wherever you choose. For easiest use of the connection file, we recommend saving it to your desktop or moving it there after downloading it.
- Once downloaded, just double click the file to open an RDP connection.
- Proceed with step 2 below.
Note: If you are used to specific Remote Desktop settings that do not appar to be configured in this downlaoded RDP connection file, you can right-click the file and select Edit in order to make those changes and then save the file.
Or. . .
B. Manually set up a new connection or edit an existing connection file for use with the RD Gateway
- Launch Remote Desktop from your Start Menu as you normally would. You will need to click Show Options at the bottom of the client to expand the view to access the RD Gateway settings.
- Click the Advanced tab on the Remote Desktop Connection client
- Click the Settings button.
- In the Connection settings section, use the radio button to select "Use these RD Gateway serer settings:" For the Server name field, enter "rdg.austin.utexas.edu." Leave unchecked the boxes for Logon method option "Allow me to select later" and also "Bypass RD Gateway server for local addresses."
- Click OK to exit this dialog and return to the General tab. In the Computer field, you will enter the hostname or the IP address of the computer that you wish to connect to. Then click Connect and procced with step 2 below.
2. Connect to a computer using the downloaded RDP file or one your created yourself. The first time you connect to a computer through the RD Gatway you might see a security warning indicating the publisher of the remote connection can't be identified. You can check the box "Don't ask me again for connections to this computer" if you would like to suppress this message the next time you connect. Click the Connect button to proceed.
3. The first prompt for credentials will be for the RD Gateway server (rdg.austin.utexas.edu). Here you will supply your EID and password in the format shown ( austin\[your eid] ). You must use your EID, as that account is registered for Duo two factor authentication. Click the OK button.
4. At this point, your mobile device that is registered with the Duo app will receive a push notice of the attempt to logon. Acknowledge the authentication attempt on your mobile phone and you will then receive a second prompt to provide credentials to your system. Click the OK button and you should be connected to your remote desktop.
Macintosh Client Procedure
Below are the steps for updating a saved connection in the Mac Microsoft Remote Desktop application so that it uses UT's RD Gateway.
1. Launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop application
2. Select the Edit Icon in the lower left corner of the connection you wanted to update.
3. Your settings may look slightly different from the ones in this screenshot if you have previously made you own custom selections. The only setting you need to deal with here is the Gateway setting. Select the up/down arrows in the Gateway field in order to change it from "No gateway".
4. Click "Add Gateway..."
5. Enter "rdg.austin.utexas.edu" as the Gateway name and click the Add button.. Friendly Name is not required, but you can retype the gateway name there as well if you prefer.
6. Click the Save button once you return to the main settings screen. Your connection specify it is using the RD Gateway from this point forward.
7. The first time you connect to a computer through the RD Gateway you might see a security warning indicating the publisher of the remote connection can't be identified.
8. To keep from seeing certificate warning every time you connect, click the Show Certificate button, check the "Always Trust..." check box, then click the Continue button.
