What is the purpose of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)?

The purpose of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is to enable users to remotely access the desktop environment of another device, typically a computer or server. This technology allows users to control another machine as if they were sitting right in front of it, facilitating tasks such as troubleshooting, configuration, and administration without the need for physical presence at the device's location.

RDP provides a graphical interface, which makes it very user-friendly, and it supports an array of functionalities including file transfer, clipboard sharing, and various audio options. This capability is particularly useful for IT support staff, remote workers, and individuals accessing work computers from home or other locations.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of RDP. While encryption is essential in secure network communication, RDP itself focuses on remote access rather than encrypting traffic between sites. Likewise, the protocol is designed for secure access rather than connecting devices without security, and it does not establish a secure shell connection, which is a different protocol used primarily for command-line based interactions.