How to Configure RD Session Host Server 2016: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Greetings, Dev! As a developer, you know how important it is to keep your server infrastructure up-to-date and optimized for performance. If you are using Windows Server 2016 for remote desktop services, then you must know how to configure the RD Session Host Server. This is where your users connect to remote desktops, apps, and virtual desktops. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about configuring RD Session Host Server 2016.

Overview of RD Session Host Server 2016

Before we dive into the configuration steps, it’s important to understand what RD Session Host Server is and how it works. RD Session Host Server is a role service in the Remote Desktop Services role that enables multiple users to connect and use remote desktops, apps, and virtual desktops on a single server. RD Session Host Server is responsible for managing and hosting user sessions, which are isolated from each other to ensure security and stability.

In RD Session Host Server 2016, the following improvements have been made:

1. Improved graphics performance for RemoteFX vGPU
2. Increased memory scalability for RD Virtualization Host
3. Enhanced management experience with PowerShell cmdlets and Server Manager GUI

RD Session Host Server Requirements

Before you start configuring RD Session Host Server 2016, you need to ensure that your server meets the following requirements:

Configuration Steps for RD Session Host Server 2016

Step 1: Install RD Session Host Server Role Service

The first step in configuring RD Session Host Server 2016 is to install the RD Session Host Server role service. Follow these steps:

1. Open Server Manager and navigate to the Remote Desktop Services role.
2. Select the server on which you want to install the role service.
3. Click on Add Role Services and select RD Session Host from the list of available role services.
4. Click Next and follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

Step 2: Configure RD Connection Broker

The RD Connection Broker is responsible for managing user sessions and load balancing. Follow these steps to configure the RD Connection Broker:

1. Open Server Manager and navigate to the Remote Desktop Services role.
2. Select the server on which the RD Connection Broker role service is installed.
3. Click on Configure High Availability and follow the prompts to configure the RD Connection Broker for high availability.

Step 3: Configure RD Licensing

RD Licensing is required to activate and manage Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (CALs). Follow these steps to configure RD Licensing:

1. Open Server Manager and navigate to the Remote Desktop Services role.
2. Select the server on which the RD Licensing role service is installed.
3. Click on RD Licensing and follow the prompts to activate and manage your CALs.

Step 4: Configure RD Web Access

RD Web Access allows users to access remote desktops, apps, and virtual desktops through a web browser. Follow these steps to configure RD Web Access:

1. Open Server Manager and navigate to the Remote Desktop Services role.
2. Select the server on which the RD Web Access role service is installed.
3. Click on Configure RD Web Access and follow the prompts to configure the web access settings.

Step 5: Configure RD Gateway

RD Gateway is a secure way for users to connect to remote desktops, apps, and virtual desktops from outside the corporate network. Follow these steps to configure RD Gateway:

1. Open Server Manager and navigate to the Remote Desktop Services role.
2. Select the server on which the RD Gateway role service is installed.
3. Click on Configure RD Gateway and follow the prompts to configure the gateway settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About RD Session Host Server 2016

1. What is the difference between RD Session Host and RD Virtualization Host?

RD Session Host is responsible for managing and hosting user sessions, whereas RD Virtualization Host is responsible for managing and hosting virtual desktops. RD Virtualization Host requires Hyper-V and RemoteFX, whereas RD Session Host can run on physical or virtual servers.

2. Can I use RD Session Host Server for application virtualization?

Yes, you can use RD Session Host Server for application virtualization by installing and configuring RemoteApp. RemoteApp allows individual applications to be virtualized and delivered to users through Remote Desktop Services.

3. How many user sessions can RD Session Host Server support?

The number of user sessions that RD Session Host Server can support depends on several factors, such as server hardware, resource allocation, and user workload. Microsoft recommends a maximum of 1000 concurrent user sessions per RD Session Host Server.

4. How can I troubleshoot RD Session Host Server issues?

You can troubleshoot RD Session Host Server issues by checking the event logs, using Performance Monitor to monitor server performance, and running the Remote Desktop Services Diagnostic Tool. You can also consult the Microsoft TechNet library for troubleshooting guides and best practices.

5. Can I configure RD Session Host Server for remote administration?

Yes, you can configure RD Session Host Server for remote administration by enabling Remote Desktop Connection on the server and granting remote access permissions to administrators. However, it is recommended to use a separate administrative account for remote administration to ensure security.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered the basics of RD Session Host Server 2016 and provided step-by-step instructions for configuring the role service. We have also answered some frequently asked questions about RD Session Host Server to help you troubleshoot issues and optimize performance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your RD Session Host Server is configured properly and ready to serve your users. Happy configuring, Dev!