Remote Manager¶
A Smart Client workspace plugin that provides a unified manager for hardware device web interfaces, custom websites, and RDP connections. All connections are displayed in a flat, searchable list with a tag-based filtering system for fast access.
Quick Start¶
- Open XProtect Smart Client
- Navigate to the Remote Manager workspace tab
- Hardware devices load automatically from your recording servers
- Click any entry to open its web interface or RDP session in a new tab
- Use the + button to add custom websites or RDP connections
- Filter entries using the tag chips at the top
Connection List¶
The left panel shows all connections in a flat list sorted by name. Each entry shows an icon indicating its type:
- Globe icon - Hardware web interface or custom website
- Desktop icon - RDP connection
Hover over any entry to see its address and tags in the tooltip.
Search¶
Use the search field to filter by name or IP address. The search is case-insensitive and updates in real-time as you type.
Tag System¶
Every connection has tags that describe its type and origin. Tags are displayed in the filter bar above the list.
Factory Tags¶
Factory tags are assigned automatically and cannot be removed:
| Tag | Applied To |
|---|---|
| Hardware Web Interface | Devices discovered from recording servers |
| Website | User-defined web entries |
| RDP | RDP connections |
| Server name (e.g. "RecServer1") | Hardware devices from that recording server |
Custom Tags¶
You can create and assign custom tags (e.g. "Floor 2", "Entrance", "Critical") to organize your connections:
- Add tags via the Edit dialog (right-click > Edit) for websites and RDP entries
- Add tags via right-click > Edit Tags for hardware devices
- Multiple tags per item are supported
Filtering¶
Click tag chips in the filter bar to filter the list:
- Unselected chips show a + icon
- Selected chips show a checkmark with amber highlight
- Click a selected chip again to deselect it
- Multiple selected tags use AND logic - only entries matching all selected tags are shown
Tabbed Browser¶
Clicking an entry opens its web interface or RDP session in a new tab on the right panel.
| Feature | Behavior |
|---|---|
| New tab | Click an entry not yet open |
| Focus existing | Click an entry that's already open |
| Close tab | Click the X on the tab |
| Close all | Click the close-all icon in the toolbar |
WebView2 Browser¶
Web interfaces are powered by Microsoft WebView2 (Chromium-based), supporting modern web frameworks.
The plugin automatically detects the correct protocol:
- HTTPS if enabled in the device's driver settings
- HTTP otherwise
RDP Sessions¶
RDP connections use the built-in Windows RDP ActiveX control with these settings:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Color Depth | 32-bit |
| Smart Sizing | On |
| Connection Timeout | 5 seconds |
| Resolution | Auto (minimum 1024x768) |
| Public Mode | On (no local caching) |
| Drive/Printer Redirection | Off |
Clipboard redirection and NLA are configurable per connection.
Credential Bar¶
When a hardware device tab is active, the credential bar appears at the top showing:
- Device name - highlighted in blue
- Username - with a Copy button
- Password - masked by default with Show/Hide toggle and Copy button
Passwords are read on-demand from the management server when you first select a device.
Adding Connections¶
Click the + button in the toolbar to add:
Web View¶
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Yes | Display name |
| URL | Yes | Full URL (http:// or https://) |
| User | No | Optional username |
| Password | No | Encrypted with Windows DPAPI |
| Tags | No | Custom tags for filtering |
RDP Connection¶
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Yes | Display name |
| Host / IP | Yes | Target RDP server |
| Port | No | Default: 3389 |
| Username | No | RDP username |
| Password | No | Encrypted with Windows DPAPI |
| NLA | No | Network Level Authentication |
| Clipboard | No | Clipboard redirection (default: on) |
| Tags | No | Custom tags for filtering |
Context Menu¶
Right-click entries for additional options:
| Entry Type | Options |
|---|---|
| Hardware device | Edit Tags |
| Custom website | Edit, Remove |
| RDP connection | Edit, Remove |
SSL Certificate Handling¶
Many IP cameras use self-signed SSL certificates. Toggle the Accept untrusted SSL checkbox at the bottom of the left panel. The setting is persisted per workspace.
Toolbar Icons¶
| Icon | Color | Action |
|---|---|---|
| + | Blue | Add a website or RDP connection |
| Refresh | Gray | Reload devices from recording servers |
| Close all | Red | Close all open tabs |
Password Security
All stored passwords (websites and RDP) are encrypted using Windows Data Protection API (DPAPI) with CurrentUser scope. Only the same Windows user account can decrypt them.
Troubleshooting¶
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Workspace tab not visible | Check role permissions in Management Client. Unblock ZIP if manual install. |
| Device list is empty | Verify you have recording servers with enabled hardware. Check network connectivity. |
| Password shows empty | The logged-in user may lack permissions to read hardware passwords. |
| Web page won't load | Check if the device is reachable. Try the URL in a regular browser. |
| RDP connection timed out | Check port 3389, firewall, and that Remote Desktop is enabled on the target. |
| NLA required (code 2825) | Enable NLA in the RDP connection settings. |
| WebView2 fails | The plugin bundles WebView2. If issues persist, install the WebView2 Runtime manually. |