Remote Desktop will not work via Wireless Extender

Since upgrading to a new router I have been unable to reliably connect to my Windows 8.1 PC using the Microsoft Remote Desktop Apps "RD client" from either an Android tablet or an Apple iPhone.

After experimentation I have discovered that the problem happens when my portable devices are connected to my Wireless Extender. When the devices are connected directly to the main router (still wirelessly), Remote Desktop connections work successfully.

Any idea why a connection will not work via a Wireless extender?

My assumption is that either the router, the PC, or RDP is somehow seeing traffic from the Extender as from a public or untrusted network and so blocking it. But where?!

Thanks
Stewart

Wireless equipment is:
Belkin Wireless Extender (F9K1106)
NetGear NightHawk Router R7000
Windows 8.1 PC is connected via ethernet to a switch, which is connected via ethernet to the router. 
The PC is running Kaspersky Internet Security; I have used the pause protection option in Kaspersky to eliminate this as the cause.
July 13th, 2014 12:27pm

1. What does logs say?

2. What does it mean that the connection is not realiable.

3. Try to disable Kaspersky Internet Security for a moment.

HTH

Milos

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 13th, 2014 5:20pm

Hi,

As Milos suggested, could you please have a share with the Event logs for the RDP connection?

Navigate to Applications and Services Logs -> Microsoft -> Windows -> TerminalServices

To check the logs.

Besides, have a try to reconfigure the router and the wireless Extender, and take a refresh of the portable devices' wireless connection, then check the results.

Best regards

July 16th, 2014 3:15am

After reading the user manual for the Belkin F9K1106 Wireless Extender, it would appear that it works by connecting to the host wireless network as a client and then serving as a router for its own network on 192.168.2.0\24.

There are several ways in which these two networks could be configured that would not facilitate communication between them with support for Remote Desktop.

  • There could be a firewall on either device, though it does not appear the extender uses one, blocking traffic from the other network.
  • The firewall on your Windows 8.1 PC could be blocking traffic from the 192.168.2.xxx address.
  • Improper configuration of DNS could interfere with discovery of the destination system by hostname. You may want to try using IP address to connect and/or ping to ensure the pathway exists.
  • NAT on the Belkin Wireless Extender could work only on limited ports/protocols, you may need to contact Belkin to ensure that remote desktop is supported over their device. There are other users who have reported similar issues.

The firmware of the Belkin does not appear to support bridge mode, but that configuration would be the ideal way to ensure connectivity across the two devices. In bridge mode, the extender operates as a switch rather than as a router, and thus relies on the NetGear router to supply IP addresses, operate as a DNS server, etc. The result would be a unified network under 192.168.1.0\24.

Brandon
Windows Outreach Team- IT Pro
The Springboard Series on TechNet

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August 1st, 2014 2:03pm

I am using the Netgear EX6100 wireless extender as an extender (vs the AP option)

When I connect directly to the router, the MAC address of the laptop shows up in DHCP (IP 192.168.1.100).

When I am connected through the extender, the MAC address of the extender shows up in DHCP with the current IP address of my laptop (IP 192.168.1.101).  Notice the IP change.

Although I have an IP reservation for my laptop for RDP port forwarding (IP 192.168.1.100), the fact that my MAC address is different through the extender prevents my laptop from getting its reserved IP.

Unfortunately, the extender's AP option creates a new subnet on my network, which is a bit cumbersome for me.

Thanks.

Mo

March 5th, 2015 12:31pm

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