Remote Desktop with GlobalProtect VPN

This article provides guidance on how to connect to your Remote Desktop using GlobalProtect.

Windows | MacOS | Linux

Permissions

Permission for remote Remote Desktop server access via GlobalProtect is handled in two ways:

• Most staff have permission to connect to remote.essex.ac.uk and sernt43.essex.ac.uk and can use them if required for their work.

• Individual per-user permissions. See https://www1.essex.ac.uk/it/services/forms/vpn/ for details of your access profile – only RDP entries allow remote desktop access, usually to your personal PC on campus.

GlobalProtect must be connected before you can connect using Remote Desktop.

Instructions for Windows

The Microsoft Remote Desktop client comes pre-installed on Microsoft Windows.

1. Click Start

2. Type “Remote Desktop”

3. Open Remote Desktop Connection

4. Enter the On-Site Computer Name

   1. e.g. remote.essex.ac.uk, sernt43.essex.ac.uk

   2. Alternatively, a personal PC, for example s223456@essex.ac.uk specific in your VPN profile

Open

5. Click Show Options

6. Click Advanced

7. Click Settings

Open

8. Click Use these RD Gateway Server Settings

9. Enter the Server Name

   1. rdpgw.essex.ac.uk

10. Ensure that “Bypass RD Gateway for Local Addresses” is unchecked

11. Click OK

12. Click Connect

13. You’ll be prompted to login so use your University user name followed by essex.ac.uk

    1. e.g. jb20000@essex.ac.uk and your password

Instructions for MacOS

The Microsoft Remote Desktop App can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store. Once downloaded, you can configure your connection using.

1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop

2. Click Microsoft Remote Desktop

3. Click Preferences

4. Choose Gateways Tab

5. In the main window, click on + at the top

6. Select Add PC

7. Enter the On-Campus Computer Name

   1. e.g. remote.essex.ac.uk, sernt43.essex.ac.uk

   2. Alternatively, a personal PC, for example s223456@essex.ac.uk specific in your VPN profile

8. Ensure you also select the gateway you setup in the previous step

9. Ensure that Bypass for local addresses is unchecked

10. Click Add

You can now connect by double clicking on the saved PC.

Instructions for Linux

Linux provides a number of remote desktop clients. The package xfreerdp is one of the simplest. Once installed, you can run from the command line using the below.

You should change ex22101 for your login name (note this is specified twice) and s223456.essex.ac.uk for the on-campus computer name that you want to connect to (e.g. remote.essex.ac.uk, sernt43.essex.ac.uk or a personal PC such as s223456.essex.ac.uk specified in your VPN profile).

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble logging in, you can contact the IT Helpdesk, noting the error message that is displayed will help them diagnose the problem.

RD Gateway Server Unreachable

If the RD Gateway server is unreachable, you’ll see the following error.

Double-check that you are connected to GlobalProtect and that you have configured the settings correctly.

In particular, the use of rdpgw.essex.ac.uk and unchecking the Bypass RD gateway for local addresses.

Unable to Login

If you can connect to the RD Gateway server but can’t log into your PC on campus, you’ll see the following error.

Double-check your VPN profile allows connection to the named host.