Citrix XenDesktop Introduction

Xen Desktop is similar to VMware Horizon VDI. Xen app relies on IMA and Xen Desktop relies on FMA but with the latest product, we only use FMA for both Xen Desktop/APP.

Certification: CCA has 2 exams

• 140-200 : if you Manage, Maintain, Monitor and troubleshoot Citrix Xen-Desktop 7 Solutions
  • System-Admins and Citrix Admins
• 14-300 : If you are the infrastructure Architect, Design, Built, Test and DeployDesktop solution.

NetScaler: Sits inside the firewall which can provide proxy the traffic with acceleration, authentication, and encryption. This is the first point of contact for users connecting from the internet.

Xen Desktop has 8 components :

1. Delivery Controller (DC)
   • Application /Desktop Distribution
     • Manage User/Group Access
     • Handle communication with Store Front, Hypervisor &DB
     • Need 1 or more DC/Site
2. Store Front: Website/client that users can connect to request resources
   • Authenticate Users to XenDesktop /XenApp sites
   • Manage Desktops & Applications
   • Communicate with Citrix Reciever, DC and NetScaler
3. DB Server
   • Store all Sessions, State Info and Configurations
4. Studio: Admin Console to work with Citrix resources 
   • Interface to Config/Manage XenDesktop/XenApp Environment
5. Director: light weight interface to give access to mid-level admins (HelpDesk /Technicians )
   • For support Purposes: Monitor/Manage Sessions, Provide shadow /Support/Troubleshoot sessions
6. License Server
   • Store Licenses and Provide clearance before authenticating Session with client endpoint
7. Citrix Reciever: End pint client (MAC, Andriod, Windows, Thin clients)
   • Software which provides access to published Desktops/ Applications
   • Provides Secure (HTTPS/SSL), High-performance delivery resources
8. Virtual Delivery Agent: Prepare your machines so client can establish secure connection via ICA or HDX client
   • Software gets installed on Virtual/Desktop/Xen App server to make them available for Remote Users connecting via Reciever
   • It registers VMs to DC to get policy updates
   • Manages ICA/HDX connection between VM and Client devices

Understanding XenDesktop Architecture Functionality :

Classic Xen App relied on IMA and XenDesktop Relies on FMA.  we took FMA approach for both Xen Desktop/App Implementation.

Important Ports to Open :

1. Dilvery Controller  : TCP 80, TCP 443
2. Director : Same As DC
3. License Server :  TCP (7279,27000,8083,8082)
4. Store Front : same as DC

This Article is still in draft mode and under revision !!!