Working Remotely - Odana Remote Desktop Connection

DOS-TS-ODANA is a 2019 virtual server that is running on our VMWare infrastructure that replaces the original Odana. DOS-TS-ODANA is domain joined to ad.wisc.edu. The original Odana server was setup and configured similar to STATS1 such that it is domain-joined to our emulated AD farm and uses our emulated AD for authentication. The new CADS server will use authenticate with the user's campus NetID and password. This virtual machine was setup for the Murtaza Lab so that they can use some Windows-only programs. Follow the steps below to connect to this terminal server.

Access to the Rodan server (aka Surgery-RDP) is restricted to certain networks for security purposes. If you are working in the building on a wired connection or a dock, please skip down to "Launching the Remote Desktop session" since your wired connection will be able to connect without additional steps.

When working remotely, we will first need to get onto the internal network by establishing a connection to SMPH VPN.

Establishing a Connection

  • This KB article will show you how to connect to the internal network using Global Protect on a supported endpoint: Working Remotely - How to Connect to SMPH VPN
    • Once you follow those steps, you can left-click on the Global Protect icon in your system tray to verify that you are connected. On MacOS, the icon is located along the top in your Menu Bar

Windows

  • The icon in the system tray will be solid blue.

Windows system tray with connected Global Protect icon

MacOS

  • The icon in the Menu bar along the top will be brighter and have greater contrast.

Global protect icon MAcOS menu bar highlighted

Client is Connected

  • Left-clicking on the icon will reveal the current connection status. You are successfully connected to SMPH VPN if the status window looks like the screenshot below.

Global Protect client indicates connected

Personal Computer (MacOS or Windows)

  • If working on a personal computer, please establish a connection using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and proceed to the Windows instructions below.

Launching the Remote Desktop session

Windows

  • On Windows, search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in your search bar and click on the top App result

Windows search bar with "Remote Desktop" in the search area

  • Alternatively, you can launch the program using the Run program (Windows Key + R) and typing "mstsc" then click OK

Run window with mstsc in the launch bar

  • Type the server address "dos-ts-odana.ad.wisc.edu" into the Remote Desktop Connection window and click connect

Windows RDP prompt with dos-ts-odana.ad.wisc.edu entered

  • Type in your UW-Madison NetID credentials and click OK. Note: Be sure to add the "ad.wisc.edu\" prefix to your username if you are not working on a domain-joined computer 

Windows rdp prompt for credentials with users NetID entered

  • If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and its ready to use!

Windows desktop session with RDP indicator at the top

    MacOS

    • On MacOS, open the Windows App (formerly called Microsoft Remote Desktop) app you downloaded from the App Store

    App store link for the Windows App

    • By default, there will be no desktops available. Click the Plus button in the upper right and select Add PC to add a new connection

    Add PC connection in the Windows App on MAcOS

    • Enter the server name DOS-TS-ODANA.ad.wisc.edu into the PC name: field. Feel free to add a Friendly name: but it is not required. Then Click Add

    MacOS Windows app showing the settings to connect to dos-ts-odana.ad.wisc.edu

    • The connection will now appear in the Windows App. Simply double-click on the saved connection to launch a session. This will prompt you for your login credentials. Enter your UW-Madison NetID and password and click Continue. Note: Be sure to add the "ad.wisc.edu\" prefix to your username if you are not working on a domain-joined computer

    MacOS prompt for credentials when launching the saved session for Odana in the Windows App

    • If you see a certificate warning, click Continue to proceed

    MacOS Certificate warning for connecting to dos-ts-odana.ad.wisc.edu

    • If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and its ready to use!

    Windows desktop session as it appears through the MacOS interface

    Ending Your Session

      • When you are done working, it is recommended that you Sign Out to end your session. This option is available in the Start Menu in the lower-left. Then click the User icon and the Sign Out option will appear.

      Screenshot of the start menu with buttons highlighted in red

      Notes on functionality

      • Any documents stored on the local (C:\) drive are not backed up. The storage is considered "scratch" and its only to be used for temporary analysis. Instead, please use your available mapped network drives for any/all file storage.
      • Only users who are in the GSX_MURTAZALAB or SUPPORT_STAFF groups will be able to initiate remote sessions with this machine.
      • DOS-TS-ODANA should automatically map your network drives according to CADS group policy. If you do not see network drives, please contact User Support Services
      • There are several programs already installed including MS Office 2021, Google Chrome, and several scientific programs provided by the Murtaza Lab staff

      Keywords:
      odana windows server 2019 desktop terminal server license Murtaza Lab working remotely 
      Doc ID:
      119954
      Owned by:
      Collin B. in UW Surgery
      Created:
      2022-07-27
      Updated:
      2026-03-12
      Sites:
      UW Department of Surgery