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Citrix Server-Based ComputingCitrix WinFrame® Server and Client Software IntroductionThe Citrix WinFrame® and MetaFrame® products are server-based computing software that allow users to operate in a Windows environment on most workstation platforms. The supported platforms include Macintosh, OS/2, Unix and legacy DOS X86 PCs, Thin Clients and present Windows operating systems. The server runs the application using the Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) protocol to send screen updates back to the client for viewing and control. The ICA protocol transports keystrokes, mouse activity and screen updates over standard protocols to the client, consuming less than 20 Kbps (kilobits-per-second) of network bandwidth. The client users see and work only with the application's interface. Users are unaware that the application is running on a server and not on their PCs. Citrix supports TCP/IP, IPX, SPX and NetBEUI protocol connectivity. This remote interoperability allows single point of administration for a Network Administrator and one centralized point to back up data. The system is able to lock down a PC to prevent local tampering. It can permit roaming profiles to follow wherever you log in. You can upgrade an application from one central server instead of having to upgrade each PC individually. CustomersThis solution is geared toward network administrators of large networked PCs to save time troubleshooting desktop software problems, installing application upgrades and/or controlling user access control to system files and desktop features. Remote users can use the advantages of this system by remotely accessing their usual interface from dialup or remote networks via TCP/IP. ResourcesData General provided a server that consisted of a Pentium II-266 processor, and a 5-user license for Citrix WinFrame®. We dusted off the old 286AT clone from the closet and an IBM Model 70 386 PC to test the low-end client. We used Netscape’s 4.x Browser and Microsoft’s 95 Office suite. We tested the DOS client on the AT286 and Windows 3.11 on the 386 machine. We tested Windows 95 on a Pentium class and experienced no problems. We used a Wise Terminal PC to test the Thin Client approach. We networked the machines on a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN) for testing. Note: The server runs Windows NT3.51 and needs additional memory allocated for each concurrent user license. We used a 5-user license with 160MB RAM on the server with no problems. Allocate 12-16MB RAM per concurrent user. Hardware and Software
MOREnet used the following configuration for its testing:
SoftwareWe tested the Citrix WinFrame® product that is based on the Windows NT 3.51 kernel. Citrix licensed the source code from Microsoft and enhanced the Operating system to support their ICA protocol and multi-user application-sharing environment. Citrix MetaFrame is the next generation of Citrix products that runs as an add-on to Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server and Windows NT 2000 Terminal Server. Citrix worked with Microsoft to develop the next generation NT 4.0 and NT 2000 server operating system to include multi-user functionality. Microsoft spun off a Windows NT Server Terminal Edition that included multi-user support. This Teminal Server operating system achieves the basic interoperability of a server-based operating system. Citrix MetFrame is an add-on product to NT Terminal Server that achieves the full potential of the server-based operating system. ClientsThe Citrix client is free for DOS 6.22 or higher, Windows 3.1X, Windows 95 and Unix. The Macintosh environments cost on a per client basis. The setup and installation of the DOS based client was not as clean as the Windows 3.1X, 95 and Macintosh installation. Once installed the DOS client ran remarkable well. The performance was a little sluggish, but better then expected, and considering a 286AT running windows, quite impressive. The Windows 3.1X client running Netscape’s 4.01 browser loaded faster and ran quicker under the Citrix solution then it did as a stand alone PC. The Windows 95 performance test ran fine with a little degradation in performance but not enough to discourage us. We viewed the Macintosh client off site and performance was equivalent to the Windows 3.1X test. In addition, Data General provided a Wyse WinTerm PC. The distinguishable difference between the Windows-based terminals from other thin-client devices, such as NCs (Network Computers), is that there is no downloading of the initial operating system or applications; all execution of the application logic occurs on the server, and not the client. ResultsAdvantagesManagementCitrix WinFrame and MetaFrame products enable administrators to deploy, manage and support applications from a single location in minutes, not months.They offer the ability to manage the network centrally, automate upgrades, support users remotely, colve configuration problems, and replicate data. Standardized AccessCitrix delivers universal application access to business-critical 32-bit Windows applications from virtually any workstation client. It enables the push technology that allows an administrator to push updates and new applications to the client from one central point. PerformancePersistent Object Caching improves application performance and reduces network traffic. Graphics are sent to the client once and stored locally between application sessions. This allows application splash screens to be transmitted once, rather than downloaded to the client each time. Bandwidth is optimized for network connections as low as 14.4 Kbps, and delivers bandwidth-independent performance over LANs, analog or ISDN modems, WANs, wireless LANs and even the Internet. SecuritySystem Security Enhancements to the Citrix client version 1.8 provide features for improving file, system and application security. Administrators can “lockdown” specific files, directories, and system areas as well as the entire system, improving the security on a corporate LAN/WAN, Intranet or Internet. Anonymous and registered users can access the Citrix Server from a Web environment. Registered user types are challenged with IDs and passwords to ensure identification to the administrator. Anonymous user types are added for flexibility and share guest level security. MultimediaVideo and audio streaming to the desktop is available in the new client 1.8. Users can now enjoy video streaming and sound from a Citrix desktop. DisadvantagesLegacy PCs, before VGAInitial deployment of Citrix on legacy PCs that do not meet the minimum requirements such as a VGA monitor and card posses small setbacks. This may be a time to decide the fate of the non-VGA supported devices. DOS Client Set UpWe had some problems installing the DOS client and Windows 3.X client. Once installed the clients ran the Windows 95 applications off the server quite well. The Windows 95 client installed in less then 10 minutes. Legacy DOS ApplicationsWe have received input that some older DOS applications are not compatible under this Operating System. NT does not handle DOS quite the way Windows 95 does, so have a list of your required applications available for the reseller to review. Window Terminal Server Stand AloneWindows Terminal Server without the Citrix add-on package does not support a variety of options. The Terminal Server supports Windows clients only. It does not include the management functionality, like automatic client updates, desktop shadowing, or client access troubleshooting. SummaryFinding a cost-effective way to secure, deploy and manage business-critical applications and user PCs throughout a network is becoming a major issue with network administrators. Citrix provides a product that offers administrators the ability to manage a network using remote control, tamper resistant desktops, and automated updates from one central point. Upgrade costs shift from individual machines to one centralized server. The cost saving factor is not in the cost of equipment, but the cost in support of the equipment. Related Sites or ArticlesMOREnetTitle: Thin Clients white paper, March 10, 1999 URL: http://www.more.net/technical/netserv/unsupported/thin_clients.pdf Citrix Systems Title: Citrix Products: MetaFrame Microsoft Title: Windows NT Server Terminal Server Edition ReferencesCitrix Systems, Inc. Data General Corp. CreditsThank you to the following MOREnet customers and administrators for their input and feedback:
MOREnet Network Consulting Staff MOREnet Internal Support Group Data General |
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Reviewed March 8, 2002.
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