Working Remotely - Rodan Remote Desktop Connection
Rodan is a virtual server that is running on our VMWare infrastructure. The computer has been domain joined to ad.wisc.edu. This machine has been reconfigured for specific workflows that require a more wide-band use of network resources such as providing access to Surgery Network Drives and Nvivo clients. Follow the steps below to connect to Rodan.
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.
MacOS
- The icon in the Menu bar along the top will be brighter and have greater contrast.
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.
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
- Alternatively, you can launch the program using the Run program (Windows Key + R) and typing "mstsc" then click OK
- Type the server address "rodan.surgery.wisc.edu" into the Remote Desktop Connection window and click connect
- 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
- If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and its ready to use!
MacOS
- On MacOS, open the Windows App (formerly called Microsoft Remote Desktop) app you downloaded from the App Store
- 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
- Enter the server name rodan.surgery.wisc.edu into the PC name: field. Feel free to add a Friendly name: but it is not required. Then Click Add
- 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
- If you see a certificate warning, click Continue to proceed
- If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and its ready to use!
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.
Notes on functionality
- Nvivo 2020, 14, and 15 clients are available on this remote access server. To configure them for use with Nvivo Collaboration Server, please see this article.
- 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.