While the UT VPN is the primary and preferred method for remotely connecting to systems and resources that are on campus, McCombs Computer Services is providing an out-of-band solution in case VPN is not available. This solution relies on Microsoft Remote Desktop and leverages Duo for two factor authentication. McCombs users can connect to the McCombs RD Public Gateway service directly (without needing to sign-in to UT VPN) to access their desktops and other systems that are on campus.
Windows Client Procedure
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The page explains how to set up remote desktop access to campus computers using the RD Gateway instead of VPN. While VPN has been a popular means for access campus resources, due to security and cost concerns alternatives to VPN are increasingly being used for different kinds of access. The RD Gatway is the alternative solution for remote desktop access. It has been in production since 2020, and after May 2023 it will the only option for remote desktop into McCombs office computers.
Windows Client Procedure
- Launch Remote Desktop from your Start Menu as you normally would. You will need to click Show Options at the bottom of the client to expand the view to access the RD Gateway settings.
- Click the Advanced tab on the Remote Desktop Connection client
- Click the Settings button.
- In the Connection settings section, use the radio button to select "Use these RD Gateway serer settings:" For the Server name field, enter "msb-admintermprdg.austin.utexas.edu." Leave Logon method option "Allow me to select later." Do not check Check "Bypass RD Gateway server for local addresses." Under the Logon settings section, uncheck "Use my RD Gateway credentials for the remote computer."
- Click OK to exit this dialog and return to the General tab. In the Computer field, you will enter the hostname or the IP address of the computer that you wish to connect to. Then click Connect.
- You might see a security warning indicating the publisher of the remote connection can't be identified. You can check the box "Don't ask me again for connections to this computer" if you would like to suppress this message the next time you connect. Click the Connect button to proceed.
- The first prompt for credentials will be for the RD Gateway server (msb-admintermprdg.austin.utexas.edu). Here you will supply your EID and password in the format shown. You must use your EID, as that account is registered for Duo two factor authentication. Click the OK button.
- At this point, your mobile device that is registered with the Duo app will receive a push notice of the attempt to logon. Acknowledge the authentication attempt on your mobile phone and you will then receive a second prompt to provide credentials to your system. Click the OK button and you should be connected to your remote desktop.
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