ManageEngine Desktop Central is a Web-based Windows software application for desktop administration. This application enables administrators to manage computers effectively, from a central point. It comprises features like Software Deployment, Patch Management, Service-pack Installation, Asset Management, Remote Control, Configurations, System Tools, Active Directory Reports and User Logon Reports.
Desktop Central supports the managing of computers in a distributed setup like branch or remote offices (WAN) and for mobile users, for example sales persons who are constantly on the move.
Figure 1: WAN Architecture of Desktop Central
Port Number |
Type |
Purpose |
Connection |
Traffic |
8020 |
HTTP |
Agent Server communication | Inbound to Server |
|
8444 |
HTTP |
For sharing remote desktops |
Inbound to Server |
|
8032 |
HTTP |
For transferring files |
Inbound to Server |
|
8027 |
TCP |
To complete on-demand tasks like inventory scanning, patch scanning, remote control, remote shutdown and moving agents from one remote office to another |
Inbound to Server |
|
8022 |
HTTP |
To enable Chat and System Manager |
Inbound to Server |
|
8021 |
HTTP |
To enable communication between a Desktop Central agent and a distribution server |
Inbound to Distribution Server |
|
8384 |
HTTPS |
To enable communication between a Desktop Central agent and a distribution server |
Inbound to Distribution Server |
|
8383 |
HTTPS |
For communication between the agent or distribution server and the Desktop Central server | Inbound to Server |
|
8443 |
HTTPS |
For Sharing Remote Desktops |
Inbound to Server |
|
8031 |
HTTPS |
For transferring files | Inbound to Server |
|
2195 |
HTTP |
Should be open on the Desktop Central Server to reach the APNs. Host Address: gateway.push.apple.com | Outbound from Server | |
443 |
HTTP |
Should be open on the Desktop Central Server to reach the GCM server | Outbound from Server | |
5223 |
HTTP |
Should be open, if the mobile device connects to the internet through the Corporate WiFi, it is recommend to configure the IP range 17.0.0.0/8. | Outbound from Corporate Network Firewall | |
5228 |
HTTP |
For the GCM to reach the managed mobile device | Outbound from Corporate Network Firewalll | |
5229 |
HTTP |
For the GCM to reach the managed mobile device | Outbound from Corporate Network Firewall | |
5230 |
HTTP |
For the GCM to reach the managed mobile device | Outbound from Corporate Network Firewall | |
135 |
TCP |
To enable sharing of files and printers | Outbound from Managed Computers | |
445 |
TCP |
To enable sharing of files and printers | Outbound from Managed Computers | |
135 |
TCP |
To enable remote administration | Outbound from Managed Computers |
The advantages of using the WAN architecture of Desktop Central include the following:
The WAN architecture of Desktop Central comprises the following components:
This section includes detailed information about the components of the Desktop Central architecture. Refer to Figure 1: WAN Architecture of Desktop Central.
Server
Desktop Central Server has to be installed in your LAN (say, the head office) and has to be configured as an EDGE device. This means that the designated port (default being 8020 and is configurable) should be accessible through Internet. You need to adopt necessary security standards to harden the OS where the Desktop Central Server is installed. Agents from all the remote locations report to this Desktop Central Server.
The Server acts as a container to store the configuration details and, upon request, provide the instructions to the agents. It is advised to keep the Desktop Central server always running to carry out the day-to-day Desktop Management activities.
Distribution Server
Desktop Central Distribution Server is light-weight software that is installed in one of the computers in the Branch Offices. This agent will communicate with the Desktop Central Server to pull the information for all the computers in that branch. The agents that reside in the branch office computers will contact the Distribution Server to get the information available to them and process the requests.
Agent
The Desktop Central agent is a lightweight software application that is installed in computers which are managed using Desktop Central. This agent helps to complete various tasks that are initiated in the Desktop Central server. For example, if you want to change the wallpaper in the computers in a branch office, you can make the required settings for this task in the Desktop Central server. The agent replicates these settings and ensures that the task is completed effectively.
Agents can be installed either manually or using a logon script in all the branch-office computers that are being managed using Desktop Central. This task is a one-time task. Upgradation of agents is done automatically. Desktop Central offers two options to help administrators manage computers across a WAN. The option that you choose depends on the number of computers you are going to manage at your remote office. The options available, enable you to use either of the following:
Web Console
The Web console of Desktop Central provides a central point from where an administrator can manage all the tasks that are related to desktop management. This console can be accessed from anywhere. For example, it can be accessed through a LAN, WAN and from home using the Internet or a VPN. Separate client installations are not required to access the Web console.