2.1.1.2 Redirection Functionality

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When a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection exists between an RDP client and RD Session Host server, data and resources are frequently redirected. This redirection allows the RD Session Host server to access resources on the RDP client, as well as allowing an RD Session Host server to redirect data from remote applications on the RD Session Host server to the RDP client. Some examples of redirection functionality include the following:

  • Keyboard, mouse and touch input: Data from the keyboard, mouse, and touch input (applicable in scenarios where the transfer of multitouch input frames--generated by a physical or virtual touch digitizer--is required from a terminal server client to a terminal server<3>) on the RDP client is redirected to the user session on the RD Session Host.

  • Camera: Video capture data can be redirected from an RDP client to an RDP server.

  • Printer jobs: Print jobs from the user session on the RD Session Host can be redirected to a printer attached to the RDP client.

  • Media player content: An application running on the RD Session Host can redirect media player content to the RDP client.

  • File system data: An RD Session Host can access local drives on the RDP client using file system redirection.

  • Clipboard: Clipboard redirection enables a user to copy data from an application running on an RD Session Host to a clipboard located on the RDP client.

  • Smart card: An RD Session Host can access credential data from a smart card connected to an RDP client.

  • Ports: An RD Session Host can access devices connected to serial, parallel, and USB ports on an RDP client.

  • Credentials: Credentials (username and password) are used to authenticate a user when connecting to an RD Session Host.