Windows Server Remote Desktop Services Components

The Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role includes components that provide server-based desktops and applications. Using any of the components in the data center (shaded) will typically require either RDS CALs or RDS External Connectors. This illustration shows the major components of the Windows Server RDS role (starting from the left) as follows:

RDS Client or application. An application, typically included with the OS, or sometimes available by download for free from an application store, which is installed on the user’s device to allow the user to find and connect to the Windows Server RDS role to access a server-based desktop or remote application.

Remote FX (formerly the Remote Desktop Protocol). A communication protocol used to send keyboard and mouse or touch actions from the local device to the server-based desktop and also used to send high-quality images from the server-based desktop for display on the local device’s display.

RDS Gateway or RDS Web Access. A portal for on-premises or Internet-based connections to the RDS role, which typically presents a menu of available server-based desktops or remote applications, based on each user’s identity and privileges.