Uploaded byLai Yoong Seng
TechInsight - Real World Implementation of VDI
This document discusses virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and provides demonstrations of VDI solutions using Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and Citrix. It begins with an introduction to VDI and how it works. It then demonstrates Remote Desktop Services for remote desktops and application publishing. Next, it demonstrates a VDI solution using Remote Desktop Services and Citrix with the Microsoft platform. It concludes with a discussion of VDI capacity planning considerations around processors, memory, disk I/O, and network performance.
More Related Content
Similar to TechInsight - Real World Implementation of VDI
More from Lai Yoong Seng
![[BDD 2025 - Full-Stack Development] PHP in AI Age: The Laravel Way. (Rizqy Hi...](https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/fs-phpinaiagethelaravelway-251125012602-ef9d330e-thumbnail.jpg?width=640&height=640&fit=bounds)
![Support, Monitoring, Continuous Improvement & Scaling Agentic Automation [3/3]](https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/agenticcommunityseries-day3-cfd-251120170304-ddef8112-thumbnail.jpg?width=640&height=640&fit=bounds)
![[BDD 2025 - Full-Stack Development] Agentic AI Architecture: Redefining Syste...](https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/fs-agenticaiarchitectureredefiningsystemcommunication-251124030838-e6c70cc2-thumbnail.jpg?width=640&height=640&fit=bounds)
TechInsight - Real World Implementation of VDI
- 2. A Real WorldImplementation of VDILai Yoong Senglaiys@redynamics.comConsultantRedynamics Asia SdnBhd
- 3. AgendaIntroduction of VDIHowit works?Demo:- Remote Desktop Services Demo:- VDI using RDSDemo:- VDI using Citrix with Microsoft PlatformVDI Capacity Planning
- 4. What is VirtualDesktop Infrastructure (VDI)?Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (or VDI) is an architectural model where a client OS runs in a server-based virtual machine environment and interacts with the user via a network connection.The storage and execution of a desktop workload (OS, apps, data) is centralized on a virtual machine in the datacenterPresentation of the UI is managed via a remote desktop protocol (such as RDP or ICA) to client devicesDesktop Workload(OS, Apps, Data)
- 5. Why Remote/Virtual Desktops?WorkfromHomeCentralizedDesktopMergers andAcquisitionsDevelopersClient OS MigrationContractors/Offsite workerRemoteAdmin AccessApplicationCompatibility
- 6. The Microsoft andCitrix VDI Technology StackDesktop and Session Delivery for Enterprise DeploymentsPartnerTechnologyXenDesktop 4Roaming Profiles Folder RedirectionUser Profiles and DataApplication DeliveryVDI SuitesDesktop and Session DeliveryVirtualization Platform
- 7. HDX MediaStreamSeamless multimediaexperienceHDX RealTimeVoice and video for real-time collaborationHDX Rich Graphics with RemoteFXHigh performance, full fidelity 2D and 3D graphicsHDX Plug-n-PlaySimple access to peripheralsHDX BroadcastOptimized delivery over any networkHDX Adaptive OrchestrationDynamically adjusts to conditions across the infrastructure and leverages available RemoteFX capabilitiesHDX SmartAccessSimple, highly available and secure user experienceHDX WAN OptimizationPerformance acceleration for branch offices
- 8. XenDesktop uses 64%less bandwidth than Competitor V
- 9. How it works?Howit works?
- 10. The core ofVDI – Remote Desktop Services and VDI ArchitectureSystem Center and App-VRD Session Host with RemoteAppRD Web AccessRD ClientRD Virtualization HostRD Connection BrokerRD GatewayLicensing ServerActive Directory®
- 11. HTTPsSSLRemote Desktop SessionHostRD WebAccessRDConnectionBrokerRDPClientRDGatewayWS 2008 R2RDSHRemoteApp/Published AppActive Directory& NetworkPolicy ServerAuthorizationPolicies
- 12. Why Sessions?Session Virtualizationscales more users per server than VDIApp-V works in both VDI and SessionsThe same RDP connection protocol is used in bothMuch of the service infrastructure is sharedUpsides for VDI:VDI offers better user operating system isolationVDI has better native application compatibilityVDI allows users to be admins of their own imagesUpsides for Session Virtualization:Session Virtualization requires less hardware than VDISessions are cheaper than VDI desktopsServer management is less than VDIRemote Desktop Services enables both session virtualization and VDI!
- 13. DEMOQuick View ofMicrosoft Remote Desktop Services
- 14. VIDEOQuick View ofMicrosoft Remote Desktop Services
- 15. Delivering the VirtualDesktop ImageDynamic (“non-persistent”)Virtual DesktopsStatic(“persistent”)VirtualDesktopsProfile Virtualization(Roaming Profiles, Folder Re-direction)Application Virtualization(Streamed Apps)MasterPresentation Virtualization(Hosted Apps)CloneCloneClone
- 16. RDPSSLHTTPsMicrosoft VDI usingRDSRD WebAccessRDSHRedirectionModeRD ConnectionBrokerRDPClientADDomainServiceAuthorizationPoliciesRDGatewayRD Virtualization Host
- 17. DEMOQuick View ofMicrosoft VDI Solution
- 18. VIDEOQuick View ofMicrosoft VDI Solution
- 19. Citrix VDI SolutionXenDesktopDelivery ControllerrequestlicenseADOULicensingDomain ControllerData StoreLogin PageUser Settingspoliciesfind desktopsign & launchvalidatePower shellAppsProtocolprepareresumeOS Windows Server R2 2008Hyper-VClientSCVMMXenDesktopProvisioningServerDynamic ImageVHDStorageStatic Image
- 20. DEMOQuick View ofCitrix VDI Solution with Microsoft Platform
- 21. VIDEOQuick View ofCitrix VDI Solution with Microsoft Platform
- 22. VDI Capacity PlanningVDICapacity Planning
- 23. Building the BaseWhatdo I need to start?Hardware required:One or two appropriately specified servers for the number of users requiredExample: Preferably dual quad Nehalem or equivalent AMD based processorOptional: Second server purely for client VM’s16-32GB or more of RAMRAID 1 or 10 disk subsystemClient PCSoftware required – Windows Server 2008 R2 EnterpriseWindows 7 Enterprise or Windows XP ProfessionalSystem Center Virtual Machine ManagerActive DirectoryCitrix XenDesktop or Remote Desktop Services
- 24. VDI Capacity Planning: ProcessorRule of thumb: If it doesn’t have SLAT don’t buy it# of VMs per core is highly dependent on user scenariosApplication specific usage play a big roleHyper-V supports:Now supported ! 384 VMs per Server in Clustered scenarios 384 VMs per Server in non-Clustered scenariosSLAT enabled processors provide up to 25% improvement in densityWhat is Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)? Intel calls it Extended Page Tables (EPT)AMD calls it Nested Page Tables (NPT) or Rapid Virtualization Indexing (RVI)
- 25. VDI Capacity Planning: ProcessorSingle (Unclustered) server results:Win7 VMs using 512 MBs RAM per instance – not supported!Only supported with 8 VM’s per coreThough lab benchmark testing went as high as 11 VMs per Core at the limitServer Hardware:
- 26. VDI Capacity Planning: Disk IORule of thumb: SANs are your new best friendsDisk performance is the most critical factor in achieving densityInternal testing showed Windows 7 having lower Disk IO than Windows XPMinimum 15 IOPS (I/O Operations per second) per desktop Example:- 50 desktop 50 * 15 = 750 IOPS per hostRAID 1 or 10 for highest performance
- 27. VDI Capacity Planning: Disk IOPeak of read/write @ 3500 IOPs on single un-clustered server (Starting 64 VMs simultaneously)Multiply that by number of serversResult is the rough guidance for the maximum SAN disk IOPS you needTest for the most demanding user logon pattern (for example: 9 am scenario)This test based on Windows 7 Enterprise
- 28. VDI Capacity Planning: MemoryRule of thumb: More is betterBiggest constraint of upper limit VM density (not performance related)Constrained by:Available memory slots in serversLargest Available DIMMsBuy as much RAM as you expect to scale the number of VM’sPlan for and allocate at least 1GB per Windows 7 VM Memory allocation should be determined by upper maximum limit of running appsAllocate enough RAM to prevent the VM paging to disk
- 29. VDI Capacity Planning: Network PerformanceRule of thumb: Rich User Experience requires rich bandwidthLANGenerally place VDI (RDVH) servers as “close” as possible to the usersVDI User experience is heavily dependent on network performanceLAN performance generally not a bottleneck (calculate to be sure)Network redundancy is very important in switching fabricWhen its down, the user is totally downWAN WAN issues now equals worse issues laterLatency kills user experiencePersistent protocols take bandwidth per connectionHow to tell: Multiply the number of users by approximately 20kbpsIs that beyond the capacity of your internet/WAN network?20kbps is the best case scenario based on HDX20kbps represents a cut down user experienceConsider WAN optimization technologies or compression solutions
- 30. SummaryConcept of VDIHowit works?Remote Desktop ServicesVDI using RDSVDI using CitrixVDI Capacity Planning
- 31. Guidelines RDSRD SessionHost:-1 X Quad Core 2.4Ghz - 16GB memory -> 150 to 200 sessions2 X Quad core - 32GB memory -> 300 to 500 sessionsRD Gateway + Web AccessProcessor extensive2GB RAM -> 500 sessionRD Licensing + Connection Broker1GB RAM is fine for 500 sessionProcessor and memory is insignificant
- 32.
- 33. TCOTotal Cost ofOwnership
- 34. Perceptions Around CostReductionExpected VDI Cost Savings versus PC Costs# Respondents (n= 105)
- 35. Overview of BenchmarkResearch
- 36. Considerations Prior toAdopting VDIApplication PerformanceUser ExperienceDatacenter Upgrade CostNetwork dependent apps (i.e. VOIP) may have degraded performance
- 37. Graphic intensive applicationsmay not perform well over WAN
- 38. No offline mode– unsuitable for non-connected workers
- 39. User experience degradeswith server loading and reduced network capacity (i.e. WAN)
- 40. Additional investments inserver, management, storage, and network infrastructure
- 41. Additional software forVDI management, user experience, and optimizationIdentify Appropriate Use Cases for VDIProvide a Managed Desktop to Unmanaged Devices• Contract workers• Employee-owned PCsCentralize Desktop Management for Remote Locations• Branch offices• Offshore locationsTask Worker Scenarios• Call center workers• Shared terminals, such as factory kiosks / nursing stationsDesktops That Demand High Levels of Security and Compliance• Non-mobile desktops in specific industries (i.e. financial services / healthcare / government)
- 42.
- 43.
- 44. ResourcesRequired slideMicrosoft andCitrix Desktop Virtualizationhttp://microsoftandcitrix.com/Desktop Virtualization hourhttp://www.desktopvirtualizationhour.com/Remote Desktop Services Team Bloghttp://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/Join MVUG (Malaysia Virtualization User Group)http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216237734803Lai Blog’s www.ms4u.info (Refer to VDI Tag)
- 45. Required slideWIN COOLPRIZES!!!Complete the True Techie and Crazy Communities Challenge and stand a chance to win…Look in your conference bags NOW!!
- 46. Required slideWe valueyour feedback!Please remember to complete the overall conference evaluation form (in your bag) and return it to the Registration Counter on the last day in return for a Limited Edition Gift
- 47.
- 48. Infrastructure RequirementServer Components:-ActiveDirectoryRemote Desktop Services roles should install using Windows Server 2008 R2Digital CertificateVirtualization of RDS roles supported !Client components:-Thin or rich clientInternet Explorer 6 or laterRemote Desktop Connection client version 6.1Reliable network connection
- 49. Static Virtual DesktopRequirement Schema must be Windows Server 2008
- 50. Domain functional levelshould be Windows 2000 Server native modeStatic Virtual Desktop RequirementVM name must be in FQDN formatVirtual Desktop PoolStatic / Personal Virtual Desktop
- 51.
- 52. Web Interface 2/2VirtualDesktop PoolPersonal Virtual Desktop
- 53. RemoteApp and DesktopConnection Interface
Editor's Notes
- #3 Session Summary: This session takes you through planning and deploying a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solution. We will take a look at the considerations needed in sizing, networking, capacity, as well as the components and technologies needed to set things up. Last but not least, we will explore the TCO of VDI
- #4 Let go through our agenda today, As usual, I will talk about some introduction about VDI. Some of you may be first time heard about the concept of VDI.Then i will talk about the component and how it work using RDS and Citrix solution and lastly some tips and trick on VDI Capacity Planning.
- #6 Will Remote Desktop Session Host and Remote Desktop Virtualization Host kill Rich Clients?Did online banking and credit cards replace cash and wallets?Did public transport services replace individually owned vehicles?There’s a simple rule: Virtual Desktops are useful for all enterprises, but not for all users!Keep in mind:- “VDI fits for every customer but not for every desktop”
- #7 Moving on , Microsoft and Citrix has a strong partnership in VDI offering.Some of the key components of the Microsoft VDI offering are:First, on the Virtualization Platform. Microsoft has Hyper V R2. Hyper V R2 is a Hypervisor based virtualization system which allow you to virtualize Remote Desktop Services and Client operating system on a single physical machine. In R2, you can introduce Failover Cluster and Live Migration. Live migration allow you to migrate virtual machine from one node to another node without any interruption. User will not experience interruption when accessing to remote desktop.2. Next, on Desktop and Session Delivery. Last year November, Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2008 R2 which allow you to VDI with Remote Desktop Services. Desktop and application can make available to user by using RDS.3. Then on Application Delivery, Microsoft has Application Virtualization (in short form- called App-V) allow you to virtualize application and stream the application to the user desktop. For example, you have Microsoft Office 2010 and Office 2003. By using App-V, both application can run without any conflict. Meanwhile on R2, you can use RemoteApp to host application on the server and make it available to user. This is similar as terminal service.4. Moving on, on User profiles and data. Microsoft has Roaming profile feature in. Roaming profile is one of the features which allow you to have similar setting and desktop wallpaper when you access to desktop virtual machine. Folder redirection refer to automatic rerouting standard folder such as My Document, My Picture and Start Menu to a shared storage. By using folder redirection, you can introduce centralize data and backup.Lastly on Management side, Microsoft has System Center Management Suite.1. Systems Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008:VMM allow you manage physical and virtual machine infrastructure. You can use VMM to perform commissioning and decommissioning of virtual machine as well as to perform P2V (Physical to Virtual Machine conversion) . By using P2V, you can convert your existing physical desktop to virtual machine and store into data center.2. SCCM allow you to perform software update, software distribution, operating system deployment, asset management, hardware and software inventory.3. SCOM provide an end to end solution for monitoring. You can integrate with VMM to enable reporting and enable one of the feature called enable PRO TIP. PRO TIPS allow the system to react. Example: If physical host not enough RAM, PRO TIPS can move the host which has available system resources.Lastly, MDOP is available for Software Assurance and APP-V is part of MDOP.On Citrix technology, Danny will talk more about it later.---------------not important-----------------------------------Desktop delivery through Citrix Xen Desktop:Citrix XenDesktop™ offers a next-generation, user-centric desktop virtualization solution that provides a complete system for desktop delivery. XenDesktop dynamically assembles virtual desktops on-demand, providing users a new, yet personalized, desktop each time they log on – ensuring that performance never degrades. In addition, XenDesktop’s high-speed delivery protocol provides unparalleled responsiveness over any network which helps in desktop optimization. Hence, in the WS08 R2 timeframe, we will have two options for implementing VDI:For large, complex enterprise deployments, the joint Microsoft and Citrix solution will continue to offer a superior set of features.For small scale departmental implementations, the Microsoft-only stack will provide the best balance of features and price.Organizations that are considering VDI today, are encouraged to deploy the current Microsoft-Citrix offering, as this will enable them to lay a foundation to grow their VDI infrastructure in the future.
- #8 Rich multimediaReal-time collaborationUSB plug-n-play3D graphics applicationsBest network performanceBranch office optimization
- #12 Now, let look into how RDS is working…
- #14 Instead of talking about RDS…let see RDS in action..
- #16 In a VDI architecture, users can be mapped either to a static, or “persistent” virtual desktop, or a dynamic (“non-persistent”) virtual desktop.In static mode, there is a one-to-one mapping of VMs to users. The more users you have, the more VMs you need. VMs are stored on a SAN or NAS and execute on the server. Static virtual desktops are a good fit for users who expect to find the exact same desktop environment upon login as they left it on the last logout. However, large numbers of static desktops lead to increased maintenance efforts and cost.In a dynamic architecture there is only one master image. Instead of having to manage many dedicated images, you support one image that is automatically replicated as needed for users. User applications are provisioned onto the VM either via Microsoft Presentation Virtualization (TS RemoteApp) or via Microsoft Application Virtualization (formerly known as SoftGrid) based on user profiles; the data are stored centrally on the server via Microsoft Profile Virtualization (folder re-direction). This makes it easier to manage the VMs and dynamically provision desktop environments, and it also helps reduce maintenance and support costs.In either scenario, virtual desktops are presented to any client device with a remote desktop client such as on a PC or a thin client.
- #23 Failover (live migration)Do you need HA for the guests? If not then do not implement Failover Clustering !Stand Alone node support up to 384 guestsWindows Failvoer Clustering scalability 1 host is dedicated as a failover host 15 nodes X 64 Guests = 960 Guests per cluster.Recommended VDI cluster size: 1000
- #25 SLAT is for processor support paging at the hardware level
- #27 he Microsoft team attributes this improved scalability to Windows 7 being a virtualization-aware operating system. Windows 7 includes several features which improve its performance in a virtualized environment. Windows 7 includes the Hyper-V Host Integration Services as part of the base operating system Windows 7 notifies the hypervisor when it is idle so the hypervisor does not schedule guest operations Windows 7 includes optimized device drivers for network and disk Windows 7 provides improved storage and optimized page file management
- #30 Network should not have more than 5 hops and latecy should be under 100ms.
- #31 Total Cost of Ownership is a holistic view of enterprise costs over time, and includesDirect CostsCAPEX – Hardware, SoftwareOPEX – Administration, Operations, FeesIndirect CostsEnd-User Operations
- #41 Presenters please use this slide to direct participants to websites, books, trials, product pages etc as a follow through to your presentation
- #45 In order to deploy VDI using RDS:-On the server side, You need to have Active Directory in place. You must extend the schema to Windows Server 2008 and domain function level should at least configure to Windows Server 2000 native mode.RD server roles and client operating system should join to domain environment.To install Remote Desktop Services, you must use Windows Server 2008 R2. On my previous slide I have explained about 5 different component of RDS: RD Connection Broker, RD Session Host, RD Gateway, RD Licensing and RD Web Access. You can virtualize all these roles except RD Virtualization Host. To secure access to the VDI infrastructure, it recommend to get 3rd party certificate or you can deploy Internal CA from Microsoft.On the client side, you can thin or rich client as long the client has IE 6 or later, Remote Desktop Connection client version 6.1 and most important is a reliable network connection.-----------------------------not important------------------------types of certificate existSelf signed certificate – no trusted by any client. For testing. Manually install certificate into client computerInternal CA – create by AD CA. Automatically trusted by client in the domain. Manually export & import certificate to client or use GPOExternal /Public CA – Issued & purchase by trusted public CA. Automatically trusted by client cause the trusted root certificate is automatically included in the OS
- #46 Static Virtual Desktop pool is depended on Active Directory. You need to extend the schema to Windows Server 2008 and domain functional level to Windows Server 2000 native mode.Example:- If you have upgrade the schema to Windows server 2008 and domain functional level has set to Windows 2000 native mode and you are running Windows Server 2003 domain controller. You will see this property page on your left.In order for you to see additional tab: Personal virtual desktop, you need to use Active Directory Users and Computer from Windows Server 2008 R2 or RSAT on Windows 7.
- #47 On VM naming, Static Virtual desktop need to name in FQDN format. You need to put exact computer name as similar inside the VM with . Domain name. For example: VDI01-Win7 is the computer nameContoso.com is the domain name.