Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Tower, DVS Simplified Appliance Reference
Dell DVS Simplified Appliance
Reference Architecture
Dell Desktop Virtualization Solutions
10/29/2012
ii Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Contents
1 Executive Summary ....................................................................... 1
2 Introduction ................................................................................ 2
2.1 Introducing the DVS Simplified Appliance .................................................... 2
2.2 Value Proposition ................................................................................. 2
2.3 “Why Dell” ......................................................................................... 3
2.4 Feature Overview ................................................................................. 4
2.4.1 Design Principles ............................................................................ 4
2.4.2 Architecture Scalability.................................................................... 4
2.5 Ideal Deployments ................................................................................ 5
2.6 When is DVS Simplified Appliance Right for Me? ............................................. 6
2.7 New Features ...................................................................................... 7
2.8 Dell ProSupport and Professional Services Overview ....................................... 8
2.9 Desktop Virtualization Solutions Overview ................................................... 9
3 Solution Architecture ................................................................... 12
3.1 Architecture Overview ......................................................................... 12
3.1.1 Simplified Appliance Form Factor Options ........................................... 12
3.1.2 Hypervisor Platform Options ............................................................ 12
3.1.3 Appliance Scale Configuration Options ............................................... 12
3.1.4 Appliance User Loads .................................................................... 13
3.2 VDI-in-a-box Core Components ............................................................... 13
4 Hardware Components ................................................................. 15
4.1 The Simplified Appliances ..................................................................... 15
4.1.1 PowerEdge R720 Rack-Based Solution ................................................. 15
4.1.2 PowerEdge T620 Tower-Based Solution ............................................... 16
4.2 Storage ............................................................................................ 16
4.2.1 Disk Space Requirement by Workload ................................................. 17
4.2.2 Drive IOPS Requirement by Workload ................................................. 19
4.2.3 Persistent and Non-Persistent Desktops Defined .................................... 20
4.2.4 Persistent vs. Non-Persistent Desktop Characteristics ............................. 21
4.2.5 Persistent vs. Shared Image Disk Space Planning ................................... 21
4.3 Dell Wyse Xenith 2 and Xenith Pro Zero Clients ........................................... 23
5 Software Components .................................................................. 24
5.1 Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 ......................................................................... 24
5.2 The DVS Simplified Hypervisors ............................................................... 27
5.2.1 Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 with Hyper-V Role ........................ 27
5.2.2 Citrix XenServer 6.0.2 ................................................................... 27
5.3 Microsoft Licensing with DVS Simplified .................................................... 28
5.3.1 Microsoft Windows Licensing ........................................................... 28
5.3.2 Microsoft Office Licensing ............................................................... 28
5.4 Citrix Desktop Receiver ........................................................................ 28
5.5 Citrix XenCenter ................................................................................. 29
5.6 Citrix TCP/UDP Port Communication ........................................................ 29
5.7 Citrix Desktop Receiver ........................................................................ 30
5.8 Virtual Desktop Antivirus ...................................................................... 30
5.9 Windows Active Directory Integration ....................................................... 30
5.10 Network Architecture ......................................................................... 31
iii Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
5.10.1 Physical Network Connectivity ........................................................ 31
6 End-User Workload Characterization ................................................ 32
6.1 Characterization Overview .................................................................... 32
6.1.1 Basic Workload Characterization ...................................................... 32
6.1.2 Standard Workload Characterization .................................................. 32
6.1.3 Premium Workload Characterization .................................................. 33
6.2 Workload Characterization Testing Details ................................................. 34
7 Performance and Testing .............................................................. 35
7.1 Load Generation and Monitoring ............................................................. 35
7.1.1 Login VSI – Login Consultants ........................................................... 35
7.1.2 Liquidware Labs Stratusphere UX ...................................................... 35
7.1 Testing Summary ................................................................................ 36
7.1.1 End User Experience Testing Summary ............................................... 36
7.2 Testing ............................................................................................ 37
7.2.1 Testing Methodology ..................................................................... 37
7.2.2 User Workloads ............................................................................ 37
7.2.3 Standard Workload ....................................................................... 37
7.3 Testing Results – Standard Configuration ................................................... 38
7.3.1 Hyper-V 2008 R2 .......................................................................... 38
7.3.2 XenServer 6.0.2 ........................................................................... 46
7.3.3 Hyper-V ..................................................................................... 52
7.3.4 XenServer 6.0.2 ........................................................................... 59
8 High Availability ......................................................................... 67
8.1 DVS Simplified Appliance Resiliency ......................................................... 67
9 Customer Provided Stack Components .............................................. 68
9.1 Customer Provided Switching Requirements ............................................... 68
10 Conclusion ............................................................................... 69
11 Acknowledgements .................................................................... 70
1 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
1 Executive Summary
Dell and Citrix have taken another significant step toward eliminating the complexity of
desktop virtualization. Together we have developed an improved turn-key solution – the
DVS Simplified Appliance – to help small and medium enterprise customers leverage this
compelling technology. For those new to the space, desktop virtualization is a proven
methodology for delivering a rich computing experience to end users from centralized
data centers.
These data centers can be on-site or cloud-based, in either customer-hosted or Dellmanaged configurations. In desktop virtualization the OS, applications, user preferences,
and user data are decoupled from the client device. This gives IT departments the ability
to deliver standardized desktops to multiple end points, to improve operational efficiency
and security, and to ultimately enhance user productivity.
Dell‖s Desktop Virtualization and Cloud Client Computing solutions meet the needs of a
rapidly changing and increasingly mobile workforce by providing near universal access to
corporate apps and data. They also provide IT departments with a greater degree of
control by delivering a flexible user experience without compromising security. With Citrix
VDI-in-a-Box 5.1, the Dell DVS Simplified Appliance provides a simplified, cost effective
solution in a convenient appliance. This allows companies with limited budgets and IT
staff to leverage the benefits of desktop virtualization at as few as 50 users.
VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 integrates connection brokering, load balancing, desktop provisioning,
high-availability, and user personalization features using Citrix Personal vDisk (PVD). VDIin-a-Box 5.1 also delivers preferred management functions in a single package running on
standard Dell servers with local storage while enabling anytime anywhere access with
built-in support for the Citrix® HDX™ high definition desktop virtualization experience to
end users for any application, device, or network. Finally, VDI-in-a-Box offers hypervisor
support for Citrix XenServer and Microsoft Hyper-V.
This reference architecture provides an introduction to the technology, benefits, general
sizing guidance and configuration recommendations for implementing a Dell virtual
desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution powered by Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 with a Citrix
XenServer or Microsoft Hyper-V infrastructure. This configuration combines Dell
PowerEdge R720 rack or Dell PowerEdge T620 tower servers with VDI-in-a-Box software
to create a flexible VDI solution capable of providing a user experience that is the same or
better than a traditional PC desktop.
Solution flexibility allows us to support smaller deployments of only 50 users and broader
deployments supporting 100 users on either a tower or a rack based server. The smaller
configuration provides virtual desktops at the same cost per seat but with a lower overall
cost of entry than the 100 user deployment. In this way, Dell‖s Desktop Virtualization
Solutions (DVS) are indeed giving you the power to do more.
2 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
2 Introduction
2.1 Introducing the DVS Simplified Appliance
Dell’s DVS Simplified Appliance is a simple, practical VDI appliance designed
specifically to address the business and technical needs of mid-sized virtual desktop
deployments so you can unlock innovation and productivity enabled by the mobile
“consumerization” era. The pre-configured DVS Simplified Appliance pre-integrates
hardware and software, simplifying implementation and accelerating your time to value.
The DVS Simplified Appliance also delivers the core benefits of the best VDI solutions
including: streamlined desktop management, enhanced security, added agility and
flexibility and a rich user experience that can allow your IT organization to transition from
traditional tasks such as answering break/fix calls and patching software to addressing
more strategic projects.
The DVS Simplified Appliance includes the following key features:
Easy to deploy and manage – with an all in one appliance and single server based
grid architecture.
Rich end user experience – maximum leverage of Citrix HDX technologies.
Simple grid infrastructure – provides for linear and predictable expansion.
Available in both rack and tower server configurations.
Support for Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer hypervisors.
Available in a lower cost-of-entry initial configuration for deployments of 50 users.
2.2 Value Proposition
The DVS Simplified Appliance is architected to support the needs of your simple nonenterprise deployments with an appliance-based solution with the following attributes:
Affordable – can be purchased with existing PC refresh budgets – less than $500
per seat depending on user count.
Easy to deploy – wizard-based four-step setup, factory-installed software and pre-
configured hardware.
Easy to manage – all in one software, server based grid architecture.
Easy to operate – single intuitive management console.
Easy to expand – modular, provides linear and predictable expansion.
Rich end user experience – leverages Citrix HDX for a rich user experience.
Justifiable capital expense – rapid ROI for deployments of 25+ desktops.
Practical – no specialized IT experience required to deploy and manage.
3 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Simple
VDI Appliance: – Integrated pre-configured hardware and Citrix VIAB 5.1 software
eliminates implementation and operational complexity.
Quick and Simple deployment: – Wizard-driven setup and configuration –
rapidly deploy in hours to a few days, no special expertise required
Simplified desktop operations: – “All-in-one” VDI software consolidates
connection brokering, load balancing, provisioning and VDI management
functions with Dell server hardware to radically simplify management and
provisioning of desktops
Affordable
All in one appliance – Integrates VDI Manager software, Dell ProSupport and Dell
PowerEdge servers to create a cost-efficient simple appliance with no requirement
for network storage
Ideal balance of cost and performance – Designed specifically with no-
compromise solution components for simple IT environments and medium-sized
deployments
A La Carte Dell Services – Dell JumpStart Remote training and Remote
Configuration Services are available to get you up and running in one to three
days.
Practical
Rich user experience – Delivers a rich end-user experience with built-in Citrix
HDX® technology for optimizing a user‖s virtual desktop experience. End users can
access their virtual desktops and work resources from virtually anywhere,
seamlessly across different locations and with the device of their choosing.
N+1 Grid Architecture – Implements an easy to manage server grid architecture
with integrated server redundancy. Scales linearly and predictably in a modular
fashion.
End to end solution – Dell‖s single integrated solution contains components that
are pre-integrated to save time. Dell provides end-to-end support on the appliance
and software that utilizes the solution. The solution is complemented by the
extensive portfolio of Citrix-validated Dell Wyse thin and zero clients like the new
Dell Wyse Xenith 2.
2.3 “Why Dell”
Benefit:
Significantly decreases “Time to Value” return versus DIY or competitor solutions.
Designed to fit within customer‖s environment regardless of current infrastructure.
Also allows for flexibility in terms of services and ownership models.
Select competitors offer proprietary solutions that lock their customers into certain
technologies, limiting future expansion and increasing cost over time.
Offers increased productivity, better end user experience and higher levels of
efficiency.
4 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Addresses the whole solution to meet both planned and unplanned future growth
requirements.
Value:
Removes the inherent complexity and allows you to realize value and efficiencies
versus customer DIY and competitors.
Removes economic barriers of entry and mitigates risk due to our extensive
experience in cloud computing models.
Offers you the choice from data center to end point clients/devices, ease of
expansion and mitigates cost by providing a scalable architecture for future
growth.
Fosters IT alignment to core business objectives and needs increasing overall
business performance.
The solution will maintain long term agility and financial viability for years to come.
Differentiation:
Only Dell offers an end-to-end solution.
Single point of contact for all hardware, software and services support.
2.4 Feature Overview
2.4.1 Design Principles
The design principles for the flexible computing solution are:
● Secure – Security risks, concerns and policies are addressed or mitigated.
● Manageable – The solution includes the tools and software services required to
manage the environment.
● Standards based – Makes use of commodity, off-the-shelf components wherever
possible.
● Distributed – Non-blocking and built with distributed components to maximise
the use of available computing resources and eliminate bottlenecks.
● Scalable – Capable of scaling up / down to support business needs.
● Resilient – The solution must be able to withstand the failure of a single
infrastructure component.
2.4.2 Architecture Scalability
The architecture is designed to provide a scalable platform:
● The components can be scaled either horizontally or vertically by adding
additional DVS Simplified appliances to the VDI-in-a-box grid.
● The architecture has been designed to eliminate bandwidth and performance
bottlenecks as much as possible.
5 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
● The architecture has been designed to allow future horizontal and vertical scaling
with the objective of reducing the future cost of ownership of the infrastructure.
2.5 Ideal Deployments
The Dell DVS Simplified Appliance is designed for the progressive mid-market VDI
customer supporting anywhere from 50 users to hundreds of end users. While these
customers may have considerable IT expertise, they may not have the resources to
design and implement a highly flexible and scalable desktop virtualization solution. This
design helps drive optimizations in the simplicity and agility of the solution and help
customers address these common business needs:
DVS Simplified is ideal for IT professionals who are:
IT Managers in private and public sector organizations spanning all sectors
including all core verticals.
Those responsible for management and operations of client computing and/or
desktop computing infrastructure in the IT organization.
Those whose responsibilities include:
Operations of IT systems and related hardware for client computing.
Providing maintenance, update and break/fix support services for IT systems and
equipment.
Design and implementation of end user computing infrastructure and systems.
Ensure compliance with relevant governmental regulations and mandates.
Establish organization policies and procedures for secure and safe end user
computing.
Develop requests/proposal for IT budgets, both capital expenditures and operating.
expenses for end user computing systems, hardware and services.
Managing operating expenditures.
Influencers:
CIO, CFO and related staff.
Data center management and operations.
Network management and operations.
Security management and operations.
Business unit decision makers.
Employees and end users (end users may not be employed by the organization –
end users can include; students, partners, contractors, vendors, regulators,
associates or stakeholders external to the organization).
Use cases for the Dell DVS Simplified Appliance:
Organizations that lack in-house server and storage virtualization expertise - SMBs
such as accounting firms, law firms, mortgage companies, insurance brokers, K-12
and higher education, credit unions, regional banks.
6 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Organizations that must limit capital outlay or who must fit VDI into their PC
refresh budget – State/Local government libraries, county/community hospitals,
financial brokerages, community banks.
Companies that want to employ VDI for a specific user group – department
deployment, specific work group, or non-enterprise wide rollouts - VDI desktops
for retail stations, call centers, for departments in larger organizations such as the
administration staff at a branch office, tellers at credit union retail offices.
Non-primary desktops or access scenarios – home office, office “hotel-ing,” mobile
user access via tablets, remote service technicians, office desktop pools
2.6 When is DVS Simplified Appliance Right for Me?
The Dell DVS Simplified Appliance is specifically targeted at customers that have hundreds
of users versus the DVS Enterprise customers that have thousands of users. DVS Simplified
is an architecture that has been perfected to meet the features and requirements of small
and medium business. Refer to the charts below to determine if DVS Simplified is right for
you.
The DVS Simplified Appliance is typically best suited to IT professionals who agree with
the following statements:
I only have a small IT staff of primarily IT generalists.
I am willing to forego advanced VDI features (e.g. image management or
automation) in order to have simplified deployment and management.
I don‖t need application virtualization or application streaming.
I am comfortable with basic high availability.
I only need virtual desktops for a few hundred users.
My budget for VDI deployment is severely constrained.
I don‖t anticipate needing an upgrade path to XenDesktop.
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DVS Simplified versus DVS Enterprise Options:
DVS Simplified Appliance
DVS Enterprise
Advanced Image
Management
No
Yes
High Availability Option (HA)
Basic (Failover)
Enterprise grade
Dynamic Motion
No
Optional
Application Streaming
No
Optional
Application Virtualization
No
Yes
Shared Storage
Optional
Yes
Persistent and Non
Persistent Desktops
Yes
Yes
Integrated Profile
Persistence
Basic
Basic
2.7 New Features
Citrix VDI‑in‑a‑Box 5.1 makes deploying virtual desktops easier, more intuitive and
simpler than ever before. With an enhanced single management console, the latest HDX
technology stack, a choice of hypervisors between Citrix XenServer and Microsoft HyperV and a completely integrated Citrix offering, VDI‑in‑a‑Box 5.1 makes pooled and
personalized virtual desktops easy to deploy.
Pooled and personalized virtual desktops
VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 provides personalized desktops that allow users to install their own
choice of applications and store personalized configurations and data. These personalized
desktops are generated from a master image providing the best of both worlds: users get
personalized desktops while Windows desktop administrators manage a single master
image. This saves time and money while delivering a highly personalized end-user
experience. With personalized virtual desktops, user installed data and applications are
stored in a user specific layer that is used in conjunction with a base image. Thus, VDI-ina-Box 5.1 offers both personalized virtual desktops and pooled VDI virtual desktops
derived from the same base image.
Personalized virtual desktops offer another benefit ― single instance management. Rather
than juggling many persistent desktops, IT departments can maintain one master copy of
desktop images while preserving the personalization of user applications and data. This
dramatically reduces recurring management overhead and can cut data center storage
costs by up to 90 percent.
8 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Simple and intuitive installation and management
Point-and-click wizards guide you through key virtual desktop administration tasks such
as desktop image preparation and updates. VDI‑in‑a‑Box 5.1 has an expanded set of
wizards to cover every frequent operation. Setting up and upgrading master images has
never been simpler. With VDI-in-a-Box 5.1, the desktop agent is automatically installed
whenever a master image is created or updated. This “touchless” desktop agent (dtAgent)
can save your administrator time related to setting up and maintaining desktop images.
Windows desktop administrators are now able to specify complete names to VDI
desktops. This full control over virtual desktop names allows your administrators to
automate various management routines by running scripts inside the desktops that
leverage its name.
Built-in scalability and high-availability gets even better
Citrix‖s VDI-in-a-Box has always had on-demand scalability and high-availability built-in.
Now, VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 extends high-availability to device access and Microsoft Active
Directory. Both of these features make the VDI-in-a-Box solution more resilient to failures
in the customers‖ IT environment. In case a customer‖s IT environment is configured for
Active Directory failover, VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 will default to a backup Active Directory server
when a primary server fails. The grid-wide virtual IP address feature of VDI-in-a-Box 5.1
ensures that the entire grid is accessible by one highly available virtual IP address. This
ensures end-to-end high availability regardless of the endpoint device being used and
without requiring a load balancer.
2.8 Dell ProSupport and Professional Services Overview
Dell ProSupport is included with the DVS Simplified Appliance, providing
comprehensive hardware and software support for three years. This allows your support
staff to spend less time on issue resolution and more time on strategic initiatives. With
Dell ProSupport, customers can access highly trained experts to help resolve any issue
quickly and effectively 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Additionally, Dell ProSupport
provides access to software updates, bug fixes/patches and product updates for Citrix
VDI-in-a-Box and Citrix XenServer.
Dell ProSupport benefits:
Maximize uptime with the help of expert DVS Simplified Appliance
technicians.
Software support for Citrix VDI-In-A-Box 5.1 and XenServer 6.0.2.
Maintain productivity with Dell ProSupport Next Business Day and optional
4-hour response time.
Additionally, Dell offers the following optional value-add services in support of its DVS
Simplified Appliance:
Highly recommended:
JumpStart Training – Jumpstart training for Dell DVS Simplified Appliance is
available as a 4-hour* Web-based course that includes the guidance and hands-on
9 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
exercises necessary for IT administrators of all levels to master appliance
configuration and administration activities quickly and effectively. The curriculum
can be customized to fit your specific needs.
*The training is also available as a 2-hour option when combined with Remote
Advisory/Configuration Services.
Remote Advisory Services – Dell Remote Advisory Services are available to
remotely configure the DVS Simplified Appliance. The 4-hour service also includes
an option for knowledge transfer.
Recommended:
Onsite Installation Services – Dell Onsite Installation Services provide a 3-day
engagement at the customer‖s site to perform physical to virtual creation of
desktop image, installation of the Dell DVS Simplified Appliance and other client
devices and knowledge transfer.
Blueprint Assessment Services – Dell‖s Blueprint Assessment Service uses a virtual
appliance and agent software, deployed on the customer‖s network, to gather
detailed data from every desktop targeted for virtualization. The outcome is an
expansive and detailed report of the desktop environment and user profiles. This
data-driven feedback is used as a basis for a productive virtual desktop
environment. This information also helps Dell create a detailed and accurate
design and implementation plan for delivering virtual desktops.
Blueprint Assessment Lite Services – Dell‖s Blueprint Assessment Lite Service is
similar to the Blueprint Assessment Service with the exception that the customer
executes data collection activities and engages Dell to conduct the data analysis.
Network Optimization Services – Dell‖s Network Optimization Service includes a
comprehensive assessment of your network with detailed recommendations to
optimize performance and availability.
Image Creation Services – Dell‖s Image Creation Service converts physical
desktop images into virtual images in accordance with Dell or customer-defined
specifications, for use with the Dell DVS Simplified Appliance.
2.9 Desktop Virtualization Solutions Overview
A typical Dell DVS Enterprise VDI deployment requires components that are not needed
for the typical DVS Simplified Appliance customer. An illustration of a typical DVS
Enterprise deployment is shown in Figure 1 and described below:
Provisioning Servers: These management servers control the dynamic provisioning and
de-allocation of virtual desktops. Typically, a minimum of two provisioning servers are
required for high-availability.
10 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Delivery controllers: These servers manage and broker the end-user connections to the
virtual desktops. Typically, a minimum of two delivery controllers/connection brokers is
required for high-availability.
Virtual desktop hosts: These are the servers that run the virtual desktop workload and
the number of these depends on their capacity and the sizing guidelines of the VDI
solution.
Load balancers: A minimum of two load balancers are typically placed in front of the
delivery controllers to evenly distribute the desktop workload.
Shared storage SAN: Shared storage is required to create a centralized storage resource
pool for the running virtual desktops, so that in the event of a server failure, a different VM
host can pick up the desktop state from the SAN and run the desktops.
High-speed interconnects: Typically, for performance reasons, high-speed interconnects
are used among these components.
While this DVS Enterprise VDI architecture is cost-effective for large deployments, it
requires a sizable investment that may not be efficient for smaller deployments. Dell
configures the solution for customers and provides a thoroughly-tested, well-integrated
appliance.
Figure 1: Enterprise VDI
While a DVS Enterprise VDI architecture is cost-effective for large deployments, it requires
a sizable investment that may not be efficient or ideal for smaller deployments. Either way
however, we configure the solution for you and provide a thoroughly-tested, wellintegrated appliance that will fit your needs.
Figure 2 below references a Citrix “VDI-in-a-Box” deployment using a grid architecture
that makes expansion easy and delivers high-availability (HA) without requiring externally
attached shared storage (such as a SAN). This results in a significant cost savings. To
expand a VDI-in-a-Box deployment, simply load the Citrix software on additional Dell
11 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
PowerEdge servers. Then add the new servers to the VDI-in-a-Box grid by answering two
simple questions posed by the Citrix management software. VDI-in-a-Box automatically
prepares the new servers with the appropriate desktop images and load balances the
desktop workload across the grid.
Figure 2: Citrix VDI-in-a-Box
12 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
3 Solution Architecture
3.1 Architecture Overview
Dell‖s Desktop Virtualization Solutions are a combination of purpose-built horizontal
architectures designed to be modular and scalable for an array of customer needs and a
defined and tested services methodology. To provide this scalable and predictive solution
stack, Dell developed specific design criteria based on extensive testing and validation
within our Engineering Solutions Lab. This drove the design criteria to allow modular
scalability which requires certain design constraints as outlined in this document.
The DVS Simplified base configuration provides customers with the following choices:
● Appliance hardware form factor
o Rack-based or Tower-based
● Base hypervisor platform
o Citrix XenServer or Microsoft Hyper-V
● Appliance scale level
o Entry Level (up to 65 users) or Standard Level (up to 129 users)
Customers can be assured that no matter what hypervisor, appliance hardware platform,
or scale level they choose, the DVS Simplified solution will meet and/or exceed all
performance levels and provide users with the best possible VDI experience.
3.1.1 Simplified Appliance Form Factor Options
Customers can now choose between two appliance hardware form factors. The DVS
Simplified appliance can either be ordered as a rack-based solution based on Dell‖s
PowerEdge R720 platform, or as a tower-based solution based on Dell‖s PowerEdge T620
platform.
3.1.2 Hypervisor Platform Options
Additionally, customers can now choose between hypervisor platforms. The DVS
Simplified solution now supports and can be configured with Citrix XenServer or Microsoft
Hyper-V. These choices have been tested and validated to provide the same high level of
performance while adhering to the customer‖s standard or preference.
3.1.3 Appliance Scale Configuration Options
The DVS Simplified appliance can now be ordered in two hardware scale configurations,
regardless of appliance form factor; depending on deployment size and purpose. While
the two configurations share the same rack-based and tower-based hardware platform(s),
the differences between the two are as follows;
● Standard Configuration
o Chassis for Up to 16 2.5-Inch Hard Drives
o Dual Intel Xeon® ES-2680 2.7Ghz, 8 Cores
o 192 GB (12x16GB) DDR3 1666MHz
13 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
o 16, 300 GB 10K RPM SAS 6 Gbps 2.5 Inch Hot plug Hard Drives
● Entry Level Configuration
o Chassis for Up to 8 2.5-Inch Hard Drives
o Dual Intel Xeon® ES-2640 2.5Ghz, 6 Cores
o 96 GB (12x8GB) DDR3 1333MHz
o 8, 300 GB 10K RPM SAS 6 Gbps 2.5 Inch Hot plug Hard Drives
3.1.4 Appliance User Loads
The DVS Simplified solution is marketed as a simplified VDI configuration that can serve
as a great entry point for customers into the VDI market. All management roles will be
virtualized on the DVS Simplified appliances. Maximum per Standard Configuration
appliance user estimations are based on one of the following:
● 129 users per server running a basic workload.
● 100 users per server running a standard workload.
● 70 users per server running a premium workload.
Maximum per Entry Level Configuration appliance user estimations are based on one of
the following:
● 65 users per server running a basic workload.
● 50 users per server running a standard workload.
● 35 users per server running a premium workload.
The solution is based on Citrix VDI-in-a-Box. Citrix VDI-in-a-Box provides a complete
end-to-end solution that delivers Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 virtual
desktops to users on a wide variety of endpoint devices. Citrix VDI-in-a-Box provides a
complete virtual desktop delivery system by combining management and virtual desktops
onto a single server.
3.2 VDI-in-a-box Core Components
DVS Simplified Appliance
VDI-in-a-box
Citrix vdiManager
Load
Balancing
Common Base OS Image
Template
Manager
VDI Desktop Pool
Hypervisor Platform
14 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
The core components that encompass VDI-in-a-Box are:
● VDI-in-a-Box 5.1 Broker
o Installed on servers either in the data center or branch office, the broker
authenticates users, manages the assembly of users‖ virtual desktop
environments and brokers connections between users and their virtual
desktops.
● Provisioning Service
o Enables and controls dynamic provisioning and de-allocation of virtual
desktops.
● High Availability
o vdiManager instances on physical servers communicate with each other to
share key operational and configuration information. When a physical
server fails, the remaining servers in the grid have the needed information
to create extra desktops to replace those on the failed server. When the
failed server is repaired and re-joins the grid, the key operational and
configuration information is sent to it and it then resumes desktop
provisioning.
● Load Balancing
o Desktops are created across servers running vdiManager based on how
many desktops are currently running on each server and the availability of
computing resources (memory and cores) on each server. When a user
logs on, vdiManager provisions a desktop from a lightly loaded server.
● Virtual Desktop Agent
o Installed on virtual desktops, the agent enables direct ICA (Independent
Computing Architecture) connections between the virtual desktop and
users‖ endpoint devices.
● Template Management
o Virtual desktops are created from templates. Templates consist of:
An image that includes a desktop operating system, a set of
applications and the VDI-in-a-Box Desktop Agent
Policies that specify how many desktops to create, how much RAM
to allocate to each, whether local USB peripherals can be accessed
by the virtual desktop and the desktop refresh policy.
● Citrix Desktop Receiver
o Software running on an endpoint that enables the device to connect to a
virtual Windows XP, Vista or 7 desktop running on a server
● Additional VDI-in-a-Box components
o Hypervisor Integration. The Citrix VDI-in-a-Box solution can be used in
conjunction with Citrix XenServer or Microsoft Hyper-V for the provisioning
of virtual machines.
o Active Directory Integration. VDI-in-a-Box optionally uses Active Directory
for security services like authentication.
o Antivirus Management - An optional component that is not built into the
solution but is highly recommended.
15 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
4 Hardware Components
4.1 The Simplified Appliances
4.1.1 PowerEdge R720 Rack-Based Solution
The PowerEdge R720 dramatically boosts
application performance with nextgeneration Intel® Xeon® E5-2600 family
processing power and up to 24 DIMMs. Built
with 32-nanometer process technology
with up to 8 cores per processor, it enables
super-fast processing for computingintensive tasks.
Click HERE for more information on the R720 rack mount server.
PowerEdge R720 Standard Configuration
PowerEdge R720 Entry Configuration
2x Intel Xeon E5-2680 @ 2.7ghz – 8 cores
2x Intel Xeon E5-2640 @2.5ghz – 6 cores
192GB Memory @ 1666mhz
96GB Memory @ 1333mhz
16x 300GB SAS 6Gbps 10k Disks - RAID10
8x 300 GB SAS 6Gbps 10k Disks - RAID10
PERC H710P Integrated RAID Controller 1Gb RAM
PERC H710P Integrated RAID Controller
1Gb RAM
Broadcom 5720 GbE Quad Port Daughter-card
Broadcom 5720 GbE Quad Port Daughtercard
iDRAC7 Enterprise
iDRAC7 Enterprise
DVS Simplified running on the PowerEdge T620 is the same compelling technology in a
different form factor that runs exactly the same as the PowerEdge R720. We offer the
R720 and the T620 in a full 100 user configuration and we offer a R720 and a T620 in the
50 user version. This second option is a compelling offering for IT departments
anticipating a lower seat count and who want to enter this space on a trial basis at a
lower cost.
Dell‖s newest 12G PowerEdge R720 servers feature energy-tuned technologies designed
to reduce power consumption while increasing performance and capacity.
Enhancements include:
Efficient power supply units right-sized for system requirements.
Improved system-level efficiency.
Policy-driven power and thermal management.
Highly efficient standards-based Energy Smart components.
1 2 3 4
ST
2
1
iDRAC
2
1
3
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16 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
4.1.2 PowerEdge T620 Tower-Based Solution
The PowerEdge T620 stands in the same class
of performance and shares the same hardware
configuration options as the R720; only
delivering it in Dell‖s tower-based form factor.
The T620 tower-based form factor is ideal for
deployments where rack and power resources
are unavailable (small branch offices or remote
locations), or in VDI pilots/proofs of concept
where the appliance location may be
temporary.
Click HERE for more information on the T620 tower server.
PowerEdge T620 Standard Configuration
PowerEdge T620 Entry Configuration
2x Intel Xeon E5-2680 @2.7ghz – 8 cores
2x Intel Xeon E5-2640 @2.5ghz – 6 cores
192GB Memory @ 1666mhz
96GB Memory @ 1333mhz
16x 300GB SAS 6Gbps 10k Disks - RAID10
8x 300GB SAS 6Gbps 10k Disks - RAID10
PERC H710P Integrated RAID Controller 1Gb RAM
PERC H710P Integrated RAID Controller
1Gb RAM
Broadcom 5720 GbE Quad Port Daughter-card
Broadcom 5720 GbE Quad Port Daughtercard
iDRAC7 Enterprise
iDRAC7 Enterprise
4.2 Storage
Since VDI-in-a-Box only supports local storage, determining the correct size and type of
disk is crucial. The following table details the methods by which to assume storage
capacity:
Storage
Disk Space
Golden Desktop Images
2x Golden Image size
VM Storage
15% x Image size x #VMs
VDI-in-a-box VM
75GB
Recommended Swap Space
VM RAM size x VM #
Thin clone expansion buffer
10% x Golden Image Size x Number of VMs
Also note that VDI-in-a-Box utilizes linked clones technology to further reduce the
amount of storage required. This means the virtual machine is a copy of the golden
image and in turn, shares virtual disks of the parent clone (i.e., golden image). This is why
the storage required per VM is only 15% of the golden image as opposed to 100%. In order
to provide linked clones, VDI-in-a-box must copy the golden images to each server on
the grid so that linked clones can be created on each host server. Note that the hypervisor
must be configured to utilize thin provisioning in order to take advantage of this 85%
750W750W
CAUTION
TWO PERSON LIFT
REQUIRED
FCC 1
FCC 2
PPID AC
Gb
2
Gb
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CPU2
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17 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
storage reduction. Otherwise, each VM would require 100% of the disk space reservation
used by the golden image.
Another significant point is that the vdiManager virtual machine must be installed on each
host machine. This requirement expands the storage necessity by 75 GB per server for the
vdiManager VM as well as an additional amount for swap and other transient activity that
varies based on the number of virtual desktops and memory allocated to each virtual
desktop.
The next important factor when considering storage capacity is the type of local storage
(e.g., SATA or SAS) to utilize for virtual machines. The type of storage must be able to
accommodate the amount of input/output operations per second (i.e., IOPS) that
originate from the virtual machines. Note that each virtual machine may be allocated
differently and therefore must take into account the user profile assigned.
As guidance for the solution, disk IOPS and user profile IOPS were used to calculate the
type of drive needed. The following tables outline the IOPS profile per drive and per user
type, respectively.
Drive Type
IOPS per Drive
7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
75 IOPS
10k RPM SAS Hard Drive
150 IOPS
User Type
IOPS per User Type
Basic Workload
10 IOPS
Standard Workload
12 IOPS
Premium Workload
15 IOPS
4.2.1 Disk Space Requirement by Workload
Given these listed storage considerations, we can calculate the amount of storage
required to house the 129, 100 and 70 desktop VM configurations for the standard level
system and the 65, 50 and 35 desktop VM configurations for the entry level system. Using
2 golden images that are the same size, it is straight forward to calculate the amount of
storage required:
Standard Configuration
User Type
Storage Type
Space Requirements
Basic Workload
Golden Images
2 x 20GB × 2 Golden Images = 80GB
Virtual Machines
15% × 20 GB × 129 VMs = 387GB
Total Server Capacity
80GB + 387GB + 129GB(Swap) + 75GB
(vdiManager VM) = 671GB per Server
Recommended Buffer Space
10% × 20GB ×129 VMs = 258 GB
Standard
Workload
Golden Images
2 x 25GB × 2 Golden Images = 100GB
Virtual Machines
15% × 25GB × 100 VMs = 375GB
18 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
Standard Configuration
User Type
Storage Type
Space Requirements
Total Server Capacity
100GB + 375GB + 150GB(Swap) + 75GB
(vdiManager VM) = 700GB per Server
Recommended Buffer Space
10% × 25GB × 100 VMs = 250GB
Premium
Workload
Golden Images
2 x 30GB × 2 Golden Images = 120GB
Virtual Machines
15% × 30GB × 70 VMs = 315GB
Total Server Capacity
120GB + 315GB + 175GB(Swap) + 75GB
(vdiManager VM) = 685GB per Server
Recommended Buffer Space
10% × 30GB × 70 VMs = 210GB
Entry Level Configuration
User Type
Storage Type
Space Requirements
Basic Workload
Golden Images
2 x 20GB × 2 Golden Images = 80GB
Virtual Machines
15% × 20 GB × 65 VMs = 195GB
Total Server Capacity
80GB + 195GB + 65GB(Swap) + 75GB
(vdiManager VM) = 415GB per Server
Recommended Buffer Space
10% × 20GB × 65 VMs = 130 GB
Standard
Workload
Golden Images
2 x 25GB × 2 Golden Images = 100GB
Virtual Machines
15% × 25GB × 50 VMs = 188GB
Total Server Capacity
100GB + 188GB + 75GB(Swap) + 75GB
(vdiManager VM) = 438GB per Server
Recommended Buffer Space
10% × 25GB × 50 VMs = 125GB
Premium
Workload
Golden Images
2 x 30GB × 2 Golden Images = 120GB
Virtual Machines
15% × 30GB × 35 VMs = 158GB
Total Server Capacity
120GB + 158GB + 88GB(Swap) + 75GB
(vdiManager VM) = 441GB per Server
Recommended Buffer Space
10% × 30GB × 35 VMs = 105GB
19 Dell DVS Simplified Appliance Reference Architecture
4.2.2 Drive IOPS Requirement by Workload
The next step is to determine how approximately many drives can satisfy both the
storage and the average IOPS requirement for each workload.
Standard Configuration
User Type
Drive Metrics
Drive Requirements
Basic Workload
Average IOPS per Server
129 Desktops x10 Average IOPS = 1290 IOPS
# of 10k RPM SAS Drives
1290 IOPS ÷ 150 IOPS per Disk = ~9
10k RPM SAS Drive Size
929 GB ÷ 9 = ~103GB
Standard
Workload
Average IOPS per Server
100 Desktops x12 Average IOPS = 1200 IOPS
# of 10k RPM SAS Drives
1200 IOPS ÷ 150 IOPS per Disk = ~8
10k RPM SAS Drive Size
950 GB ÷ 8 = ~119GB
Premium
Workload
Average IOPS per Server
70 Desktops x15 Average IOPS = 1050 IOPS
# of 10k RPM SAS Drives
1050 IOPS ÷ 150 IOPS per Disk = ~7
10k RPM SAS Drive Size
895 GB ÷ 7 = ~128GB
The Standard Configuration was built using 16, 300GB 10K SAS to not only satisfy these
calculations but to allow for more space for persistent and PVD desktop users as well as
to support an increase in IOPS without a dramatic increase in the price of the system.
These additional drives will also allow the array to be configured as RAID-10; thereby
adding fault tolerance to the storage array, while minimizing performance degradation.
Entry Level Configuration
User Type
Drive Metrics
Drive Requirements
Basic Workload
Average IOPS per Server
65 Desktops x10 Average IOPS = 650 IOPS
# of 10k RPM SAS Drives
650 IOPS ÷ 150 IOPS per Disk = ~5
10k RPM SAS Drive Size
545GB ÷ 5 = ~109GB
Standard
Workload
Average IOPS per Server
50 Desktops x12 Average IOPS = 600 IOPS
# of 10k RPM SAS Drives
600 IOPS ÷ 150 IOPS per Disk = ~4
10k RPM SAS Drive Size
563GB ÷ 4 = ~141GB
Premium
Workload
Average IOPS per Server
35 Desktops x15 Average IOPS = 525 IOPS
# of 10k RPM SAS Drives
525 IOPS ÷ 150 IOPS per Disk = ~4
10k RPM SAS Drive Size
546GB ÷ 4 = ~137GB
The Entry Level Configuration was built using eight 300GB 10K SAS to not only satisfy
these calculations but to allow for more space for persistent and PVD desktop users as
well as to support an increase in IOPS without a dramatic increase in the price of the
solution. These additional drives will also allow the array to be configured as RAID-10;
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