Optimizing Citrix Xendesktop For High Performance

Successfully deploy XenDesktop sites for a high performance Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) About This Book Size the VDI environment so the administrator has breathing room to design and build their XenDesktop systems efficiently Use desktop virtualization tools to provide users fast, convenient access to their Windows Desktops Understand the key pinch points in the resource layers such as; the Client layer, Network Layer, Access Layer, Control Layer, Services Layer and Resources Layer Who This Book Is For Citrix XenDesktop High Performance is written for administrators who would like to deploy Citrix XenDesktop in their enterprises with the aim of providing high efficiency. Basic familiarity with Citrix XenDesktop is assumed. What You Will Learn Understand key concepts, terminology, and system requirements Discover how components work in regards to virtualization and performance Identify architectural resource layers and components Explore the hypervisor virtualization software that runs on top of the hardware and learn how to tune it for maximum performance Analyze client hardware and software, including thin clients and mobile devices In Detail Citrix XenDesktop is a suite of desktop virtualization tools designed to provide users with fast and convenient access to their Windows desktops and applications through any device. Virtual desktops mean that rather than setting up hundreds or thousands of individual computers in an enterprise, companies can instead opt to create servers with large amounts of memory, disk, and processing resources, and use virtualization to offer these resources to end users. The result of this is that users are provided with an experience that appears to be identical to having an individual desktop PC. Each user has some disk space, processor time, and memory allocated to them, as though it is present on their own physical machine, when in reality, the resources are physically present on a centralized server. This book starts by answering the basic questions you need to ask when considering XenDesktop, followed by methods of how you can properly size your server infrastructure for XenDesktop. You'll discover how to optimize the virtual machines used in XenDesktop, how to optimize your network for XenDesktop, and how to optimize the hypervisor and the cloud. You'll also learn how to monitor XenDesktop to maximize performance. By the end of the book, you will be able to plan, design, build, and deploy high performance XenDesktop Virtualization systems in enterprises. You will also know how to monitor and maintain your systems to ensure smooth operation. Style and approach This book is an all-inclusive guide that uncovers hidden and previously unpublished performance improvement areas for any XenDesktop site.

The ultimate troubleshooting guide for clear, concise, and real-world solutions to a wide range of common Citrix XenDesktop problems About This Book Explore the XenDesktop architecture and work with various troubleshooting tools that every Citrix admin should know about Discover how to troubleshoot performance, VDA registration, and NetScaler integration issues A fast-paced troubleshooting guide to help you identify and resolve any kind of problem you might face while working with Citrix XenDesktop Who This Book Is For Troubleshooting Citrix XenDesktop is targeted at Citrix Administrators or Citrix Engineers who are working on Xendesktop and want to learn tips and techniques required to deal with the issues they face in their day-to-day life. A working knowledge of core elements and concepts of Xendesktop would be an added advantage. What You Will Learn Solve VDA registration problems and Citrix session launch difficulties Identify and resolve XenDesktop service issues Troubleshoot performance issues related to the XenDesktop architecture Work around common printing issues Understand the Citrix XenDesktop HDX policies and deal with the HDX MediaStream challenges Resolve the common MCS and PVS configuration issues in your XenDesktop environment Find solutions to some general issues that have been identified and recorded by Citrix in their database that every administrator must be aware of In Detail In today's world, many organizations have decided to move to secure and stable VDI platforms to benefit their organization to meet their security needs. To meet an organization's requirements, Citrix XenDesktop serves as the best desktop virtualization solution available, providing the optimum user experience. Troubleshooting Citrix XenDesktop is a single resource guide that will help you dig deep into all the technical issues you encounter to resolve them using an autonomous and well-defined approach. The book starts by walking you through the XenDesktop architecture and the troubleshooting toolkit for Citrix XenDesktop. The subsequent chapters will help you identify possible causes of various types of Citrix XenDesktop problems that may arise while installing, configuring, or troubleshooting day-to-day problems. You will also be dealing with the most common and important VDA registration problems that you might often face while working with the XenDesktop product suite. Additionally, you will resolve issues that arise while launching Citrix sessions, troubleshoot performance issues, and learn how to integrate Citrix NetScaler with your XenDesktop environment. Style and approach This book is an easy-to-follow troubleshooting guide with real-world examples of resolving XenDesktop issues. Each chapter is focused on a specific troubleshooting area, giving you the time to learn about and apply relevant tools and practices to troubleshoot the problems using a systematic approach.

Nowadays, many organizations are moving toward desktop virtualization. Citrix® XenDesktop® is the most comprehensive solution to implement a scalable and high performance virtual desktop environment. This book will provide you with the technical skills you need to successfully design, set up, and maintain a XenDesktop® environment. This book will introduce you to the main components of a XenDesktop® infrastructure and covers how to design and install them. Through each chapter, you will quickly learn how to configure your virtual desktop environment in order to meet specific end user requirements, giving your users the freedom to work from anywhere and from any device while virtual desktops and apps are centrally maintained in your data center.

Master the skills required to implement Citrix® XenApp® 7.6 to deploy a complete Citrix®-hosted application from scratch About This Book Learn to implement and configure components of Citrix® XenApp® 7.6, which are XenServer®, XenApp®, Citrix® License server, PVS, Storefront, Citrix® Receiver, and Netscaler to secure WAN traffic Build the XenApp® 7.6 environment independently and perform tests to make sure the components are working as expected for internal and external traffic Implement advanced tools in Citrix® XenApp® to build and manage a cost effective, secure, and high-performing application delivery infrastructure with this comprehensive guide Who This Book Is For This is book is for administrators who are currently managing the implemented environment and want to learn how to deploy the Citrix® Hosted virtualization solution for the application in a windows server 2012 R2 environment. A reasonable knowledge and understanding of core XenApp® elements and concepts used during virtualizing applications are assumed. What You Will Learn Understand how to set up Hypervisor, install the management console, configure the storage repository, and create a virtual machine on hypervisor Set up an Infrastructure component and explore ways to tune them up so that they can be used for Citrix® environment Set up a Domain controller, DHCP, Certificate authority, and SQL server for static database for Citrix® XenApp® Validate the Citrix® XenApp® 7.6 solution to make sure components are communicating properly Manage the essential Citrix® components – Director, Licensing, and Policies with the Help of Citrix® studio Optimize the behavior of an Application and share desktop via Policies Installing and configuring Citrix® Provisioning services to deliver Citrix® XenApp® 7.6 virtual machines Secure the external Delivery of an application and shared desktop via netscaler to enjoy mobility In Detail Citrix® XenApp® is one of the leading pieces of Application delivery software that delivers Windows compatible apps to users on any device, anywhere. Citrix® XenApp® also gives administrators the ability to manage and control the freedom of mobility by increasing the security and saving costs at the same time. This book will provide you with all the knowledge required to successfully deploy and master a complete Citrix® hosted application. First, it will cover essential concepts of the architecture of XenApp®. You will then learn how to set up Hypervisor and how to set up Infrastructure components. Next you will learn how to Set up Citrix® Components, XenApp® resources, PVS, and Netscaler. We will further look at how to prepare the environment for Rollout. Additionally, you will learn how to configure the Citrix® components such as Citrix® Director. Moreover, you'll learn about shared desktop for delivery to end users and the application of policies for effective and secure delivery. Finally, you will learn how to implement provisioning services for a Citrix® XenApp® 7.6 environment. Style and approach This book is based on a course outline and hence takes a very practical approach so you will understand how to implement the components of XenApp® in a production environment. Complemented with many best practices and troubleshooting concepts of XenApp®, this book will help you master XenApp® swiftly.

Implement the new features of Citrix NetScaler 11 to optimize and deploy secure web services on multiple virtualization platforms About This Book Learn how to design, set up, and deploy NetScaler VPX along with the new Jumbo frames in a virtual environment using your GUI as well as your CLI for both public and private clouds to make all your web applications faster and more secure Enrich your networking skills utilizing the new features of AAA by following the instructions to optimize network traffic A step-by-step guide that will show you how to work with the latest NetScaler, 11, by implementing its new features using sample scenarios and real-world examples Who This Book Is For This book is for Citrix administrators who are just getting started with NetScaler, have some basic networking skills This book does not require prior experience of NetScaler. What You Will Learn Configure different VPN solutions and learn about ICA Proxy, Unified Gateway and SSL VPN Set up load balancing for SharePoint, Exchange, Lync, SQL and other Citrix components Gain insights into traffic management with NetScaler, Wireshark, and Citrix Insight Protect your web services with an application firewall, HTTP, DOS, and AAA Optimize traffic using front-end optimization, caching, and compression Deploy a high availability environment Use NetScaler in public cloud providers such as Azure or Amazon Advance your network knowledge of TCP and SSL optimization In Detail With a large demand for responsive websites and availability of services, IT administrators are faced with an ever-rising need for services that are optimized for speed. NetScaler VPX is a software-based virtual appliance that provides users with the comprehensive NetScaler feature set. Implementing apps and cloud-based services is much easier with its increased service performance and integrated security features. This book will give you an insight into all the new features that NetScaler VPX™ has to offer. Starting off with the basics, you will learn how to set NetScaler up and configure it in a virtual environment including the new features available in version 11, such as unified gateway and portal theme customization. Next, the book will cover how to deploy NetScalar on Azure and Amazon, and you will also discover how to integrate it with an existing Citrix infrastructure. Next, you will venture into other topics such as load balancing Microsoft and Citrix solutions, configuring different forms of high availability Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB), and network optimization. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and analyze data using NetScaler's extensive array of features. Finally, you will discover how to protect web services using an application firewall and will get to grips with other features such as HTTP, DOS, and AAA. Style and approach This easy-to-follow guide is full of detailed step-by step-instructions on how to implement the key components in NetScaler, using real-world examples and sample scenarios.

This book provides an in-depth insight into the new architectures and concepts of current Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp technologies for central provisioning of desktops and applications. It is aimed both at newcomers to the Citrix virtualization world and at those upgrading from previous versions. All the necessary steps for the creation of a design, and the development and operation of a complete, scalable virtualization environment are discussed in a detailed and practical manner. Valuable advice and comprehensive background information also feature in this solution-oriented compendium, making it an indispensable companion for IT-solution architects, consultants and administrators.

If you are an IT architect or system administrator who works with Citrix® XenApp® and need an agile, practical guide to tune and optimize the performance of your XenApp® architecture, this is the book for you. Citrix®, Citrix Systems®, XenApp®, XenDesktop® and CloudPortal™ are trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, and may be registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries.

Over 40 engaging recipes that will help you implement a full-featured XenDesktop® 7.6 architecture and its main satellite components About This Book Implement, configure, and optimize the migration from a physical to a VDI architecture using XenDesktop 7.6 Publish desktops and applications to the end user devices, optimizing their performance and increasing the security for the delivered resources A pragmatic guide that helps you to explore the XenDesktop 7.6 architecture and its related components to implement a service-oriented architecture based on the Citrix FlexCast approach Who This Book Is For If you are a system administrator or an experienced IT professional who wants to refer to a centralized container of procedures and advanced tasks in XenDesktop, this is the book for you. Experience of the virtualized environment and an understanding of the general concepts of desktop virtualization (VDI) are required. What You Will Learn Upgrade from XenDesktop 5.6 / 7.x to XenDesktop 7.6 Configure and deploy virtual machines for XenDesktop 7.6 Perform configuration and optimization operations for desktop and server OS images for future deployments Plan and configure XenDesktop user experience Execute desktop environment administration tasks, including catalog creation, power management, and resource allocation Understand how to publish the hosted applications, Local Access Apps (LAA), and applications using Microsoft App-V Work with XenDesktop PowerShell to reduce the time required to perform the management tasks by the creation of the PowerShell scripts Implement the two-factor hardware and software authentication for XenDesktop Install and configure Citrix Netscaler Gateway 10.5 and Citrix XenMobile 10 to improve the quality, the performance, and the manageability of your Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) architecture In Detail In the era of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and consecration of the mobile devices, Citrix has strengthened its position in this market, powering its desktop and application virtualization platforms, integrating the ability to publish virtual and physical desktops with the capability to assign applications and contents in a secure manner on any device, anywhere, more than previous versions. The XenDesktop 7.6 version is a more integrated platform, which permits the use and interaction with mobility and cloud platforms leaders in the market. This book will help you understand how to implement, configure, and optimize migration from a physical to a VDI architecture, moving from a standard application approach to a centralized and more secure way to assign and release resources to the end users. The book begins with the upgrade and installation procedures for the core infrastructural components, along with an explanation of how to deploy and optimize procedures for desktop virtual machines. Moving on, you will perform desktop and applications deployment through the XenDesktop core plus integrated publishing platforms, such as Microsoft App-V. Finally, the book explains how to install and configure important collateral platforms such as the Citrix Netscaler, Citrix CloudBridge and Citrix XenMobile platforms, along with execution of the most advanced activities and configurations. Style and approach This book is a step-by-step course that includes standard and high-level tasks oriented to deploy a full-functioning Citrix environment. This practical approach is based on both GUI and command-line operations, which gives IT professionals an alternative on the way to operate, where possible.