LabConnect

LabConnect allows CAEDM users to remotely access desktop computers in various college and department labs from their Windows computer from off campus. Some of these desktop computers are just standard lab machines, others may have special department software or hardware attached to them. LabConnect uses the Microsoft RDP client in conjunction with special broker software to connect users with an available machine with the needed resources.

How does LabConnect differ from Z-Connect?

Z-Connect is specifically designed to handle graphics intensive applications like CAD. The user experience typically gives the remote user a desktop on a high-end workstation. The software installed on Z-Connect is limited to applications that require or use intensive graphics. There are a limited number of Z-Connect servers available. Z-Connect has clients for Windows and Linux. LabConnect and Z-Connect use a very similar client to connect to remote servers. The user experience is very similar, except Z-Connect is higher performance for graphical intensive applications.

LabConnect was rolled out Winter Semester of 2020 to meet the increased demand for remote computing due to all classes being taught online starting in March of 2020. The user experience of LabConnect is very similar to Z-Connect, except graphic-intensive applications may jitter or drop frames occasionally. LabConnect may be the only way to access some department software, and may still be available when Z-Connect is completely full. LabConnect is currently compatible with both Linux and Windows.

LabConnect Update

As of fall semester 2023, the old LabConnect client has been depreciated in favor of a webclient. The new webclient currently works with Windows and Linux. Mac support is under development.

Using LabConnect

Windows and Linux

To use LabConnect on Windows or Linux, please go to https://connect.et.byu.edu/ and log in with your CAEDM credentials.

macOS

Setup

Installing an RDP client

You will first need to install an RDP client. The provided instructions use Windows App; however, feel free to use any other compatible application.

  1. Find the Windows App by following this link https://apps.apple.com/us/app/windows-app/id1295203466. Or, search for "Windows App" in the App Store.
  2. Click "Get."
    App Store - Windows App - Get.png
  3. Click "Install."
    App Store - Windows App - Install.png
  4. In the prompt that appears, click "Install." You may have to input your Apple Account password.
    App Store - Windows App - Install Prompt.png
  5. After the installation is complete, follow the Connecting instructions given below.

Connecting

After installing an RDP client, follow these instructions each time you would like to connect to a CAEDM machine. The instructions provided are specifically for the Windows App; however, the process will be similar for most RDP clients.

  1. Open Windows App.
  2. Click the "+" button in the top right corner of the window.
    Windows App - Main Screen.png
  3. Click "Add PC."
    Windows App - Plus Prompt.png
  4. Go to https://connect.et.byu.edu/ and log in with your CAEDM credentials.
  5. Click the icon corresponding to the machine you would like to use.
  6. Copy the machine name from the machine you were given.
    CAEDM Connect - Machine Name Selected.png
  7. Go back to the Windows App and paste the machine name into the "PC name" entry.
    Windows App - Machine Name Pasted.png
  8. Add the text ".et.byu.edu" to the end of the machine name. It should look something like "CBMOONSHOT1C10.et.byu.edu"
    Windows App - Full Machine Name.png
  9. Click "Add."
  10. Double-click the PC you added in the Saved PCs section.
    Windows App - Saved PCs.png
  11. In the window that appears, enter your CAEDM credentials and click "Continue."
    Windows App - Credentials Prompt.png
  12. It will then prompt you to accept the certificate. Click "Continue."
    Windows App - Certificate Prompt.png