When there is no GPU in the RDP server, it can work in conjunction with Direct2D to directly send drawing instructions to the client connected to the server through RDP, so that the entire rendering process is completed on the client side instead of being processed on the server.
Therefore, when using RDP to connect to the server, there is no need for the server to install a GPU at all. Moreover, since the data transmitted is not audio and video streams but drawing instructions, the amount of data transmitted is also smaller. Under the same bandwidth, it can bring shorter latency and higher quality.
In a sense, RDP is no longer just a simple remote desktop, but has already become a GPU passthrough across machines.
Unfortunately, however, RDP is currently locked at 30/60fps, so those who want to perform some fancy operations might as well give up.
Here's a little tip to enhance the RDP experience: add a rule to the Windows Firewall on the server to allow UDP on the RDP port 3389. Then you will find that your RDP connection automatically uses UDP.
In addition, if you update both the control end and the controlled end to Windows 11 24H2 or above, you can enjoy a stable 4K 60fps (you need to modify some registry key values. It was also possible to achieve 4K 60fps before, but it often got stuck).
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I seem to remember that the VirtualGL website stated that complex drawing instructions consume more bandwidth than video streams. [Looking confused]
If the video compression is not deep enough, in almost static scenarios, it is definitely less efficient than drawing instructions.
What complex drawing could there be in an operating system interface?
[Facepalm] I'm afraid they also included the calculation process.
It's really not suitable for playing games.
As you yourself said, complex drawing instructions.
In actual experience, Microsoft's Remote Desktop is smoother than others.
One network cable can carry several video streams, yet the graphics card still has to be properly connected via HDMI. [Surprised]
DSC means it's not behaving properly either. [Surprised]
For playing games, the screen capture and streaming solution is definitely the way to go.
That's right. So, in traditional RDP (RDP7 and below), watching videos is very inefficient. However, when it comes to rendering windows and performing various operations such as window switching, dragging, scrolling, etc., the effect is extremely good.
How can I determine the RDP version?
The RDP version corresponds to the Windows version you are using. Also, you can check it by clicking "About" in the upper left corner of the Remote Desktop Connection.
So, RDP is good at drawing GUIs.
If you use Remote Desktop to play videos, that might still be the case. Otherwise, in general office scenarios, it is obvious that drawing instructions are more bandwidth-saving.
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windows RDP is really amazing. There are still some manufacturers playing with concepts on certain things, while Microsoft had already commercialized them in a mature way ten years ago.
Regarding RDP, this thing can remotely call external devices connected to the terminal, and it can also map the storage of the client machine as the local hard disk of the server. There are also RemoteFX and RemoteApps.
With the existence of these two powerful features, the applications deployed on the server side can run seamlessly on the client side. Coupled with the multi-user function of the Server system, it is possible to achieve one-stop deployment of large-scale software for use across the entire network.
When combined with the AD domain, deploy application pools and storage pools on the server through VM and VHD. All computing resources and storage resources are abstracted. It can enable the desktop resources of every person in the entire company to follow their personal credentials. You can log in to your account on any terminal and access your desktop. Even if a single server goes offline, it will not affect work at all, except that the overall computing performance will be affected. This solution has been widely put into commercial use currently, and even more than ten years ago. That is the common solution of servers + thin clients in enterprises.
As far as I know, a certain local bank in my hometown has been using this solution for at least fifteen years, and the server is still installed with Windows Server 2008. Of course, switching to Windows Server 2012 and later versions can achieve more flexible deployment, but adhering to the principle of "if it works, it's okay", it is still using Windows Server 2008 now.
Taking a more radical step, by using Azure, it is currently the most mature commercial cloud computing solution for non-IT enterprises. As long as there is an Internet connection, you can access your own resources and work from anywhere.