The Evolution of RDP and What To Expect From RemoteFX

Giorgio Bonuccelli
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Last updated on July 9, 2020
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RemoteFX is a set of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) technologies. It allows users to connect to Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) workspaces and enjoy graphical experience such as 3D applications—all with the fidelity of a local-like performance over a network.

RemoteFX was initially released as a platform feature for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. With RemoteFX, users have access to a full-fidelity video that’s highly-synchronized with audio and rich media support such as Silverlight and 3D graphics, and even Windows Aero.

The history of RDP

RDP was developed by Microsoft to enable users to access and control Windows desktops over a network remotely. It enables administrators to remotely diagnose and resolve technical issues with client devices in the network.

While the server that hosts all resources contains the RDP server software, the client systems should have the RDP client software to access the remote server. The server listens on port 3389 for TCP as well as UDP connections.

RDP server software is a part of Windows Server operating systems. Remote Desktop Services was formerly known as Terminal Services, and the RDP client was called the Terminal Services client. The RDP client software is available for versions other than Windows, such as Linux, OS X, Android, iOS, and UNIX.

From Windows XP onward, Microsoft has included the RDP client software in the OS. The RDP server software was included beginning with Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition.

The RDP client supports 64,000 independent channels for data transmission. It enables administrators to encrypt data using 128-bit keys while allowing bandwidth reduction for low-speed networks.

Other features include smart card authentication, multiple displays, resource sharing, and temporary disconnection without logging off. Although the RDP client delivers graphically-rich content, it also comes with certain limitations

Citrix HDX

Citrix HDX is the proprietary communication protocol developed by Citrix. It was earlier called ICA. From XenDesktop 3.0, the protocol evolved into the HDX suite, offering a range of services including bandwidth control, browser acceleration, multimedia redirection, and a graphics-rich end-user experience.

Citrix HDX works on TCP but supports UDP as well. Citrix HDX 3D Pro is an enhanced version that delivers streaming high-end graphics. XenDesktop 5.5 came with enhancements to the Citrix HDX protocol. Built-in WAN acceleration technology was added to accelerate HDX traffic. HDX MediaStream then offered better flash redirection and end-to-end flow control. Mobile application access was improved in the later versions. Citrix HDX is the proprietary communication protocol developed by Citrix. It was earlier called ICA. From XenDesktop 3.0, the protocol evolved into the HDX suite, offering a range of services including bandwidth control, browser acceleration, multimedia redirection, and a graphics-rich end-user experience.

Citrix HDX works on TCP but supports UDP as well. Citrix HDX 3D Pro is an enhanced version that delivers streaming high-end graphics. XenDesktop 5.5 came with enhancements to the Citrix HDX protocol. Built-in WAN acceleration technology was added to accelerate HDX traffic. HDX MediaStream then offered better flash redirection and end-to-end flow control. Mobile application access was improved in the later versions.

VMware PCoIP

VMware uses a separate communication protocol called PCoIP for its virtualization software, Horizon View. This proprietary protocol was developed by Teradici Corp. While other protocols rely mainly on TCP, PCoIP relies mostly on the UDP protocol. Another differentiator is that PCoIP uses the regular server CPU for bitmap encoding. 

RemoteFX

Evolution of RemoteFX

To resolve low-performance issues on graphic-intensive applications, Microsoft released RemoteFX beginning with Windows Server 2008 R2. RemoteFX is an enhanced version of RDP. It supports both TCP and UDP connections. This protocol was further innovated in the Windows Server 2012 edition.  

It now offers features such as adaptive graphics and multi-touch support. With adaptive graphics, rendering is done on the host side and not on the client device. With its enhanced features and the popularity of Windows, Remote FX now has the edge over other communication protocols. 

RemoteFX in Windows Server 2016 is a game changer

Microsoft released Windows Server 2016 as part of the Windows NT family of OS in September 2016. This edition came with enhanced features for RemoteFX, including:

Adding more RemoteFX features in Windows Server 2016 was a good idea. The added features helped companies to offload some of the work to shared GPUs for mass-market VDI deployments. However, it is worth noting that RemoteFX was not devised to provide workstation VMs or accelerate heavy graphical 3-D applications.

RemoteFX was about leveraging GPUs in remote servers securely to offer improved server performance and scalability for regular users in a VDI environment. At the time, GPU virtualization sharing options weren’t available—so Microsoft relied on APIs. For example, when DirectX APIs (especially those that support the protocol and OS demands) are called, a software layer/intercept layer takes over instead of directly engaging the native GPU driver.

This means that VMs leveraging RemoteFX lacks a GPU that is directly visible to applications. In other words, the software layer significantly reduces the graphical experience benefits available to users in most configurations. In May 2018, Microsoft announced that RemoteFX would no longer be supported starting with Windows Server 2019 onwards.

At the time, Microsoft announced that it is implementing a new graphics acceleration platform VDI environments. It directed users to use the Discrete Device Assignment (DDA) as an alternative. Evidently, RemoteFX has had its run because the use of API’s tends to slow down VDI environments.

Also, as new versions of OpenGL, OpenCL, and DirectX are released, IT administrators have to update and test the intercept layer, which often causes bugs and incompatibility issues. Most importantly, using a software layer as a means of leveraging GPU can significantly degrade performances in VDI environments.

Challenges with RemoteFx

While RemoteFX is a great option for virtualization networks, deploying and configuring multiple components of Windows Server 2016 can be a challenge. You have to install and configure multiple components that demand a higher level of technical expertise.

For instance, you should install the NLB component for load balancing and the Active Directory domain for role-based access. For application publishing, you need RemoteApp. When it comes to reporting and logging, as well as supporting iOS, Android, and Chromebook, features are limited. Managing the infrastructure is challenging, as well.

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) brings the best of both worlds

Parallels ® RAS is a comprehensive application delivery software that complements RemoteFX functionality in Windows Server 2016. Combined with Windows Server 2016, Parallels RAS takes RemoteFX features to a whole new level. The tool is easy to deploy and use; with a simple wizard, you can set up the system within minutes.

You only install a small .msi file, and most of the components can be set up directly from the machine that Parallels RAS is deployed on. Parallels RAS comes with printer redirection and load balancing components auto-configured by default. It offers customized reporting and logging features. Shadowing of Windows terminals and HTML5 access to applications is available at no extra cost.

Parallels RAS delivers virtual applications and remote desktop to heterogeneous end-devices and platforms, including Windows ® Server 2019, Mac®, Linux, iOS, Chromebook™, Android™, and HP thin clients. This means you get the best of both worlds—RemoteFX functionality in Windows Server and overall VDI experience across heterogeneous devices and platforms. Most importantly, Parallels RAS is significantly cost-effective. With a single tool, you can monitor and manage the entire infrastructure.

Download your FREE, 30-day trial of Parallels RAS now, and start to experience the benefits of RemoteFX at its best! 

References

Wikipedia | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RemoteFX

Wikipedia | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_Desktop_Protocol

Working Hard In It | https://blog.workinghardinit.work/2015/09/01/remotefx-and-vgpu-improvements-in-windows-server-2016-hyper-v/

TechTarget | https://searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com/opinion/RemoteFX-vGPU-put-out-to-pasture-as-Microsoft-RDP-grows-up

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