SAP how-to guides · Lesson

Configure RFC

Quick answer

Use a least-privilege service user, not a dialog user with broad access, RFC is powerful and a known attack path.

Key takeaways

Enter transaction SM59 and choose the connection type (e.g. ABAP connection, TCP/IP, HTTP).
Enter the target host/system and connection parameters.
Configure the logon: a least-privilege service user and its credentials (or trusted-system).
Watch out: Following steps without understanding the concept.

Step by step

Enter transaction SM59 and choose the connection type (e.g. ABAP connection, TCP/IP, HTTP).
Enter the target host/system and connection parameters.
Configure the logon: a least-privilege service user and its credentials (or trusted-system).
Set security options (SNC/TLS where applicable).
Use the built-in Connection Test to verify it works.

Notes and tips

Use a least-privilege service user, not a dialog user with broad access, RFC is powerful and a known attack path. Secure the connection (SNC/TLS) and the gateway. After a system copy, destinations inherit the source’s settings and must be corrected. The connection test quickly reveals network/logon problems.

Common pitfalls

Following steps without understanding the concept.
Skipping testing in a non-production system.
Applying blindly to a different scenario.

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Check your understanding

Which statement is true of Configure RFC?
- A. SAP licensing determines what you are entitled to use and what you pay, and it is notoriously complex.
- B. High availability (HA) keeps an SAP system running despite the failure of individual components.
- C. Secure the connection (SNC/TLS) and the gateway.
Show answer
C. Secure the connection (SNC/TLS) and the gateway.
Covered in the “Notes and tips” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to Configure RFC?
- A. Copying without understanding the context.
- B. Using downloads in production without testing.
- C. After a system copy, destinations inherit the source’s settings and must be corrected.
Show answer
C. After a system copy, destinations inherit the source’s settings and must be corrected.
Covered in the “Notes and tips” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Configure RFC?
- A. SAP administration
- B. SAP how-to guides
- C. SAP career guide
Show answer
B. SAP how-to guides
This lesson sits in the SAP how-to guides section of the Learn SAP course.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Configure RFC refer to in SAP?

An RFC destination defines how SAP connects to another system for remote calls. This guide shows how to create and test one (SM59).

Which transaction codes come up with Configure RFC?

Enter transaction SM59 and choose the connection type (e.g. ABAP connection, TCP/IP, HTTP). Enter the target host/system and connection parameters. Configure the logon: a least-privilege service user and its credentials (or trusted-system).

What else is worth knowing about Configure RFC?

Use a least-privilege service user, not a dialog user with broad access, RFC is powerful and a known attack path.

What tends to go wrong with Configure RFC?

Following steps without understanding the concept. Skipping testing in a non-production system. Applying blindly to a different scenario.