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Version: v23.0

DxConnect for Windows Admin Guide

Introduction​

DxConnect allows the user to create direct secure connections (tunnels) between a remote client and one or more servers without the need for a VPN, expensive hardware, or data passing through a vendor portal. DxConnect transfers encrypted packages across system-assigned UDP ports so there is no need to open a TCP or UDP port to the internet. With DxConnect, data transfers securely between custom-designed tunnels. DH2i’s DxConnect uses a highly available proprietary cloud Matchmaking Service to keep connections alive, but no payload data is passed through the matchmaker – all data is directly encrypted between servers.

DH2i Tunneling features​

Configuration and Management Simplicity​

  • Lightweight Windows or Linux install
  • Simply install and connect
  • No dedicated VPN routers
  • No ACLs, no firewall rules
  • No expensive cloud VPN services

Highest Level Security and Performance​

  • Application-level micro-tunneling
  • Discreetly transports TCP payloads via UDP
  • Eliminates lateral network attack surface
  • Highly available, auto self-healing tunnels
  • Invisible to port scanners

Minimum System Requirements​

The following sections describe hardware and software requirements for DxConnect.

Supported Hardware

DxConnect is hardware-agnostic, and uses minimal system resources. Please follow operating system and application best practices to achieve performance expectations.

Supported Operating Systems

  • Windows Server 2012, x64
  • Windows Server 2012 R2, x64
  • Windows Server 2016, x64
  • Windows Server 2019, x64
  • Windows Server 2022, x64
  • Windows 8 and above, x86 and x64

Network Configuration Guidelines​

DxConnect uses a proprietary communications protocol based on TCP and UDP for its gateway group communication.

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DxConnect software requires internet access to register with the DH2i Matchmaking Service.

Installation​

Pre-requisites​

  • Install Windows and apply the latest patches. Consult Microsoft documentation for further details.
  • Install Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or higher.

Installing DxConnect Software for Windows​

Double-click the DxConnect setup program on the first server or desktop.

A welcome screen will be displayed. Click Next to continue with the installation.

Start the DxConnect setup wizard

Accept the license agreement and click Next to continue.

Accept the End User License Agreement

In the Destination Folder window, select an installation folder for the DxConnect Software and click Next.

Deselect the Add Desktop Shortcut checkbox if a desktop shortcut is not required. The box is checked by default.

Select the installation folder

In the Ready to install window, click Install.

Install the software

Click Finish to complete the installation of DxConnect.

Finish the installation

Overview of DxConnect Client​

Double-clicking the DxConnect Client icon will display the following login dialog.

DxConnect main dialog

The DxConnect Client consists of three dialogs. The main dialog allows the user to connect to a tunnel or tunnels through the DH2i Matchmaking Service, the second dialog modifies settings for the DxConnect client, and the third dialog is a modeless status screen.

Main Dialog​

Example of a filled-out main dialog

  • Config File and Gear Icon - This field shows the name and location of the DxConnect configuration file, and has a gear icon for modifying DxConnect client settings. See the Settings Dialog section below for more information.

  • User Name - This field is for the username assigned to the tunnel(s) using DxOdyssey or DxEnteprise software. The user name is case-sensitive and can be any combination of alpha-numeric characters.

  • Password - This field is for the user's password. The password is case-sensitive and can be any combination of alpha-numeric characters, punctuation, or symbols.

  • Connect - Clicking on the connect button will attempt to communicate with the matchmaking service to get server connection information using the configuration file specified. If the connection to the matchmaking service is successful, DxConnect will attempt to connect to a server using the username and password. If there are no servers available, the wrong combination of username, password, and configuration file, or if there is a problem connecting to the matchmaking server, DxConnect will fail with a status of disconnected. If communication with the matchmaking service was successful, DxConnect will try 5 times to connect to the server before failing.

  • Disconnect - Clicking on the disconnect button will disconnect the DxConnect client from any servers.

  • Quit - Clicking on the quit menu item will close the DxConnect application.

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Clicking on the X icon in the top left of the main screen will minimize the DxConnect application to the notification tray without closing it entirely. See the Tray Icon section for more information.

Settings Dialog​

Click the gear icon from the main dialog to modify settings.

Modify DxConnect settings

  • Config File - Type or select a configuration file location. To select a *.dh2i file, click the ... (ellipsis) button. The configuration file contains connection information about the client’s cluster or gateway group. This file is exported from DxAdmin or DxOdyssey Client via the Client Manager window, or through DxCLI commands.

    Select the configuration file using File Explorer

  • Heartbeat - The heartbeat setting determines how many seconds a client will wait before checking in with its cluster or gateway group. This number may be lowered if the client’s connection is being aged out of the router’s NAT table before it can check-in with the cluster or gateway group.

  • OK - Applies the config file and heartbeat settings.

  • Cancel - Discards any pending changes.

Status Dialog​

Clicking on the status button will display the DxConnect version and the operating system. In addition, if the status is connected the details will include: the connected username, all available tunnels and listeners, and the details of any current connection.

Status dialog while not connected

Status dialog while connected

Tray Icons​

The main form contains all the actions available. When the main form is not displayed the actions may be directly accessed by right clicking the icon in the notification tray.

There are three possible icons displayed on the taskbar and in the notification tray.

DxConnect startup icon Initial - Displayed when DxConnect is first opened.

DxConnect connected icon Connected - Displayed when the status is connected.

DxConnect disconnected icon Disconnected - Displayed when the status is disconnected.

Tray Menu​

When the user right-clicks the mouse button in the notification tray on the DxConnect icon, the following menu is displayed.

DxConnect tray menu

  • Connect - Clicking on the connect menu item will display the DxConnect main screen.

  • Disconnect - Clicking on the disconnect menu item will disconnect the DxConnect client from any tunnels and display the DxConnect main screen.

  • Status - Clicking on the status menu item will display a DxConnect status form. The status form will display the DxConnect version and the operating system. In addition, if the status is connected the details will include: the connected username, all available tunnels and listeners, and the details of any current connection.

    DxConnect status form

  • Quit - Clicking on the quit menu item will close the DxConnect application.