ESXLab Lab Access Connectivity Test

ESXLab remote access labs are accessible using non-standard ports using Microsoft Remote Desktop services.

Local PC Requirements

You access our remote server pods from desktop PCs, notebooks or tablets running any modern operating system . You will need:

• A PC, Mac or Linux desktop PC / notebook with a working microphone and speakers
• Please test your audio devices this week to ensure they are working
• If you have a Mac, please download, install and test the Microsoft RDP Client from the Mac App Store
• Student and instructor PCs must support 1280x1024 or higher native resolution video.
  Retina displays, 1080p displays or 1440p resolution displays are encouraged.
  Devices with just 720p (approx 1300x768) or lower resolution are not be suitable as our remote desktops require more resolution
• The second monitor can be used for your remote lab access RDP session (this monitor should be 1080p or higher)
• The ability to browse the Internet

Do not attend via a tablet, cell phone or Chromebook because they may lack the screen resolution and other capabilities needed to access our remote labs

Local Network Requirements

• Critical - You must have a reliable Internet connection. This means speeds of 10mb/s (up and down) or better with low latency and very low packet loss.
• The following network options are NOT recommended and should be avoided:
  • Public WiFi hotspots due to lack of security, variable quality, and bandwith concerns
  • Cell data networks due to the potential for poor network quality, bandwitdth constraints, and usage caps
  • Please visit www.openspeedtest.net

Group Policy Concerns

• Disable Group Policy rules that block RDP connections to remote systems that use self-signed digital certificates
  • Remote access to our labs is performed by using RDP connections to a Windows Server 2012R2 virtual machine
    This virtual machine uses self-signed certificates to enable an encrypted connection
  • If you have a Goup Policy setting that disables connections to remote machines with self-signed certificates then you won't be able to connect to our labs even if you can reach them.
    Please disable this Group Policy setting before the start of class. If you cannot disable this setting, please join from another computer or network that does not use this setting.

Connectivity Test

Please follow the instructions below to perform a connectivity test:

Reporting Results

We encourage customers to run the above tests at the earliest possible opportunity and to correct any deficiencies discovered. A failure to complete these tests could result in an inability to connect to our remote access labs at the start of your class. We will not be held responsible for such problems.

Please report your results back to your partner at the earliest opportunity. They, in turn, will inform us that you are ready to go.