Chapter 10. Installing VMware for CloudPlatform

10.3. vSphere Installation Steps

1.If you haven't already, you'll need to download and purchase vSphere from the VMware Website (https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/index.php?p=vmware-vsphere&lp=1) and install it by following the VMware vSphere Installation Guide.

2.Following installation, perform the following configuration steps, which are described in the next few sections:

Required

Optional

 

 

ESXi host setup

NIC bonding

 

 

Configure host physical networking, virtual

Multipath storage

switch, vCenter Management Network, and

 

extended port range

 

 

 

Prepare storage for iSCSI

 

 

 

Configure clusters in vCenter and add hosts to

 

them, or add hosts without clusters to vCenter

 

 

 

10.4. ESXi Host setup

All ESXi hosts should enable CPU hardware virtualization support in BIOS. Please note hardware virtualization support is not enabled by default on most servers.

10.5. Physical Host Networking

You should have a plan for cabling the vSphere hosts. Proper network configuration is required before adding a vSphere host to CloudPlatform. To configure an ESXi host, you can use vClient to add it as standalone host to vCenter first. Once you see the host appearing in the vCenter inventory tree, click the host node in the inventory tree, and navigate to the Configuration tab.

In the host configuration tab, click the "Hardware/Networking" link to bring up the networking configuration page as above.

10.5.1. Configure Virtual Switch

A default virtual switch vSwitch0 is created. CloudPlatform requires all ESXi hosts in the cloud to use the same set of virtual switch names. If you change the default virtual switch name, you will need to configure one or more CloudPlatform configuration variables as well.

10.5.1.1. Separating Traffic

CloudPlatform allows you to use vCenter to configure three separate networks per ESXi host. These networks are identified by the name of the vSwitch they are connected to. The allowed networks for configuration are public (for traffic to/from the public internet), guest (for guest-guest traffic), and private (for management and usually storage traffic). You can use the default virtual switch for all three, or create one or two other vSwitches for those traffic types.

If you want to separate traffic in this way you should first create and configure vSwitches in vCenter according to the vCenter instructions. Take note of the vSwitch names you have used for each traffic type. You will configure CloudPlatform to use these vSwitches.

For example, in the following figure, you can see that the Standard vSwitch name is used in CloudPlatform as the VMware traffic label.

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual VSphere Installation Steps, ESXi Host setup, Physical Host Networking, Configure Virtual Switch

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.