To build Microsoft's Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment, you can follow these general steps:
Plan your RDS Environment:
Identify the requirements for your RDS environment, including the number of users, applications, and desktops to be hosted.
Determine the server hardware and software requirements based on the estimated workload.
Consider factors like high availability, scalability, security, and licensing.
Set up the RDS Infrastructure:
Install Windows Server on the designated servers that will host the RDS infrastructure components.
Deploy the Remote Desktop Services role on the servers using the Server Manager or PowerShell.
Configure the Remote Desktop Licensing (RD Licensing) role to manage licensing for RDS client access.
Set up an RD Gateway server if remote users need secure access to RDS resources over the internet.
Configure Remote Desktop Session Hosts:
Set up one or more Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) servers.
Install the necessary applications on the RDSH servers that users will access remotely.
Configure session host settings, such as session limits, security settings, and user access permissions.
Configure Remote Desktop Connection Broker:
Install and configure the Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RDCB) role on a dedicated server.
Configure the RDCB to manage the assignment of user sessions to the appropriate RDSH servers.
Ensure that the RDCB is highly available for load balancing and fault tolerance, if required.
Configure Remote Desktop Web Access:
Install and configure the Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web Access) role on a server.
Customize the RD Web Access portal to provide users with a web-based interface for accessing RDS resources.
Configure the RD Web Access server to publish applications and desktops for remote access.
Configure Remote Desktop Gateway (Optional):
If remote users require secure access to RDS resources over the internet, install and configure the Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) role.
Set up SSL certificates for secure connections.
Configure user access policies and authentication methods for the RD Gateway.
Configure Remote Desktop Licensing:
Install the appropriate Remote Desktop Licensing (RD Licensing) role on a server.
Activate the RD Licensing server and install the required licenses for the RDS environment.
Configure licensing settings and license usage tracking.
Test and Deploy RDS Environment:
Test the connectivity and functionality of the RDS environment using both local and remote client devices.
Verify that users can access applications and desktops successfully.
Perform load testing to ensure the RDS infrastructure can handle the anticipated workload.
Implement Security and Monitoring:
Implement security measures such as firewall settings, user access controls, and data encryption.
Enable logging and monitoring for the RDS environment to track user activities, performance, and potential security issues.
Regularly update and patch the RDS servers to address any security vulnerabilities.
It's important to note that building an RDS environment can be a complex task, and the specific steps may vary based on your organization's requirements, the Windows Server version you are using, and other factors. It is recommended to consult the official Microsoft documentation, which provides detailed guidance and best practices for setting up Remote Desktop Services in various deployment scenarios.
Documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/welcome-to-rds
