Prerequisites and Guidelines | Citrix Systems 4.2 manual

Chapter 10. Installing VMware for CloudPlatform

10.6.Configuring a vSphere Cluster with Nexus 1000v Virtual Switch

CloudPlatform supports Cisco Nexus 1000v dvSwitch (Distributed Virtual Switch) for virtual network configuration in a VMware vSphere environment. This section helps you configure a vSphere cluster with Nexus 1000v virtual switch in a VMware vCenter environment. For information on creating a vSphere cluster, see Chapter 10, Installing VMware for CloudPlatform

10.6.1. About Cisco Nexus 1000v Distributed Virtual Switch

The Cisco Nexus 1000V virtual switch is a software-based virtual machine access switch for VMware vSphere environments. It can span multiple hosts running VMware ESXi 4.0 and later. A Nexus virtual switch consists of two components: the Virtual Supervisor Module (VSM) and the Virtual Ethernet Module (VEM). The VSM is a virtual appliance that acts as the switch's supervisor. It controls multiple VEMs as a single network device. The VSM is installed independent of the VEM and is deployed in redundancy mode as pairs or as a standalone appliance. The VEM is installed on each VMware ESXi server to provide packet-forwarding capability. It provides each virtual machine with dedicated switch ports. This VSM-VEM architecture is analogous to a physical Cisco switch's supervisor (standalone or configured in high-availability mode) and multiple linecards architecture.

Nexus 1000v switch uses vEthernet port profiles to simplify network provisioning for virtual machines. There are two types of port profiles: Ethernet port profile and vEthernet port profile. The Ethernet port profile is applied to the physical uplink ports-the NIC ports of the physical NIC adapter on an ESXi server. The vEthernet port profile is associated with the virtual NIC (vNIC) that is plumbed on a guest VM on the ESXi server. The port profiles help the network administrators define network policies which can be reused for new virtual machines. The Ethernet port profiles are created on the VSM and are represented as port groups on the vCenter server.

10.6.2. Prerequisites and Guidelines

This section discusses prerequisites and guidelines for using Nexus virtual switch in CloudPlatform. Before configuring Nexus virtual switch, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

•A cluster of servers (ESXi 4.1 or later) is configured in the vCenter.

•Each cluster managed by CloudPlatform is the only cluster in its vCenter datacenter.

•A Cisco Nexus 1000v virtual switch is installed to serve the datacenter that contains the vCenter cluster. This ensures that CloudPlatform doesn't have to deal with dynamic migration of virtual

adapters or networks across other existing virtual switches. See Cisco Nexus 1000V Installation and Upgrade Guide1 for guidelines on how to install the Nexus 1000v VSM and VEM modules.

•The Nexus 1000v VSM is not deployed on a vSphere host that is managed by CloudPlatform.

•When the maximum number of VEM modules per VSM instance is reached, an additional VSM instance is created before introducing any more ESXi hosts. The limit is 64 VEM modules for each VSM instance.

•CloudPlatform expects that the Management Network of the ESXi host is configured on the standard vSwitch and searches for it in the standard vSwitch. Therefore, ensure that you do not migrate the management network to Nexus 1000v virtual switch during configuration.

1http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus1000/sw/4_2_1_s_v_1_5_1/install_upgrade/vsm_vem/guide/ n1000v_installupgrade.html

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4.2 specifications

Citrix Systems, a leading provider of virtualization solutions and cloud computing technologies, released version 4.2 of its popular software, Citrix XenApp, which was previously known as Presentation Server. This version marked a significant evolution in providing users with remote access to applications and desktops, emphasizing simplicity, performance, and security.

One of the standout features of Citrix XenApp 4.2 is its improved application streaming capabilities. This technology allows applications to be delivered to users in real-time, reducing the need for extensive local installations and enhancing the user experience. With application streaming, administrators can efficiently manage applications on a central server while ensuring that users have immediate access to the necessary tools.

Another highlight of this version is the enhanced security measures put in place to protect sensitive data. Citrix XenApp 4.2 includes support for SSL encryption, providing a secure communication channel for data transmitted between the server and clients. This is particularly crucial for businesses that need to comply with strict data protection regulations. Additionally, the integration of endpoint security features ensures that unauthorized access to applications is minimized.

Performance enhancements are also a critical focus in this release. Citrix optimized the delivery of applications over various network conditions, ensuring that users experience minimal latency regardless of their location. This was achieved through the incorporation of SmartAccess and SmartControl technologies, which allow administrators to set policies based on user roles, device types, and network conditions. This level of granularity enables organization-wide security without compromising on usability.

The user experience was further improved with a revamped interface, making it easier for end-users to access their applications and data. Simplified menus, clear navigation paths, and the ability to customize user settings contributed to a more efficient workflow, allowing users to focus on their tasks rather than struggling with the software.

Finally, Citrix XenApp 4.2 was designed to be highly scalable. Organizations of all sizes could deploy this solution to deliver applications efficiently, adapting to their specific needs as their user base grows or changes. This flexibility is crucial for businesses looking to future-proof their IT investments while maintaining optimal performance.

In summary, Citrix XenApp 4.2 stands out with its enhanced application streaming, robust security features, improved performance under varying conditions, user-friendly interface, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to leverage virtualization for remote access to applications and desktops.