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October 24, 2014

10ZiG Host Card Workstation Solutions FAQ

What is a TERA2220/2240 host processor? 10ZiG's powerful host processors enable you to move your Windows or Linux workstation into the datacenter and connect with a PCoIP zero client remotely without impacting application performance. Created for IT managers who are looking for an easy-to-manage, reliable, and secure solution to meet the needs of designers who have dedicated computers with graphically demanding applications and expect the highest in performance.

What types of products use the Teradici host processor?

  • PCIe Host Card – this is most common and comes in PCIe FHHL and Low Profile form factors
  • Combination GPU/PCoIP host card – this single slot solution is both a host card and GPU in one, and some offer local monitor connections so you can connect a local monitor and also connect remotely

What are some common use case examples for the host card?

  • Server Room - Keep all tower/rack/blade workstations in the sever room, and access your workstation from your desk, a colleagues desk, a conference room, or from away
  • Share - Share a workstation between multiple users (at different times)
  • Collaborate – two users can access the same workstation at the same time – allow a remote user (on the WAN or LAN) to connect to a local workstation for collaboration with full graphics, or allow two remote users to access the same computer on the LAN using two host cards

What workstations are supported?

The PCoIP host processor has been designed to work with a single PCIe x1 slot. We do, however, recommend you test your specific hardware configuration as part of any rollout. See 10ZiG's V1200

What graphics cards (GPU’s) are supported?

TERA2 based host cards support connecting to any graphics cards supporting DisplayPort or DVI-D connections. TERA1 based host cards support DVI only. Multiple graphics cards can be used in any system (ie to support more than two displays). Note if a resolution higher than 1920x1200 is required, than the DisplayPort connection needs to be used on a TERA2 based host card.

What clients can connect to a PCoIP host card?

Any PCoIP client can connect to a PCoIP host card, however highest performance is achieved when connecting using a PCoIP zero client, and when matching generations of Teradici Host processor processors. If you are using VMware View™ as a broker, View clients such as their Windows, Mac, Linux.

What are some of the benefits our customers tell us about?

IT Manager

  • Maximum security
  • Sensitive data and intellectual property never leaves the datacenter… just pixels
  • Fully encrypted sessions including support for NSA defined Suite B security protocols
  • Quickly setup satellite offices without having to deal with workstations on site
  • USB security keys/dongles don't get broken or lost in the server room like at the desk
  • Broker Windows workstation using VMware View™ for enterprise deployment of standard zero clients to connect to either VMs or physical workstations
  • Easily share workstations
  • Reduce IT overhead

Designer

  • Faster application and/or data access - sending pixels is faster than moving large data files or models
  • Full backup power in the server room – no more lost work due to power outages
  • Move desks/locations while your applications are still running
  • Less noise and clutter on the desktop

What performance can be expected?

Extremely high. We challenge you to find a higher performance solution out there today. A PCoIP host and client are hardware solutions dedicated for both high security and performance, without slowing your applications (and you) down. A 1080P30 movie for instance peaks at 62 Megapixels per second or Mpps (1920x1080 pixels * 30 frames per second), if every pixel was changing. The Tera 1 and Tera 2 chipsets can support applications refreshing at up to 60 frames per second, and the three versions of chipsets support 100, 150 and 300 Mpps of content spread across one or more displays… so you can be assured that your investment today will meet the needs of your applications years from now.

What bandwidth is required?

10ZiG's approach is to maximize the user experience, and take advantage of available network bandwidth when needed. Bandwidth limits can be set if needed, and there are user and administrator controls over how the PCoIP protocol behaves when packet loss is detected, such as preference for frame rate versus image quality. Some customers constrain the maximum bandwidth to 4 Mbps, some less, others want the highest pixel accuracy possible and design their network accordingly. The best way to understand tradeoffs is to try it out with your most graphically demanding applications.

Is a broker required (software used to manage user authentication and access)?

No. Host cards support a mode called "direct connect" where a zero client can connect with any workstation with a host card. Authentication is done using the standard host operating system as if you were directly connected to your PC. Alternatively, 3rd party brokers can be used. VMware View allows for access to your VDI desktops and Windows workstations from any PCoIP zero client with PCoIP host support.

Can the host card be accessed from the WAN?

Yes. If using direct connect mode, the zero client needs to see the host card on the same network (i.e. through a VPN). For View brokered workstations, VMware supports a product called Security Server which allows external PCoIP access without a VPN. Note for Tera 1, Security Server maximum bitrate from a zero client to a host card is 7Mbpps. This constraint is removed for Tera 2 host cards.

What latencies between the workstation and desktop are supported?

10ZiG tests and supports latencies between hosts and clients at up to 150ms for Tera1 processors and 250ms for Tera2. We also have some customers using higher latencies, and recommend you do your own benchmarking to best understand the trade-offs. For latencies over 50ms, we recommend installing the 10ZiG host software, as this will allow for a local mouse pointer to be used, eliminating visual wait of the round-trip delay, along with other tricks to maximize the user experience.

What OSs are supported for a PCIe host card and the optional Host Software?

Windows and Linux. When a PCIe host card is plugged into a workstation, the operating system sees a hardware USB controller and audio CODEC. A host card connected to a remote zero client terminates audio and USB devices as if they were local. The optional 10ZiG Host Software is available for Windows and also as source code package that can be compiled for your preferred version of Linux.

What is the difference between a V1200 - H and V1200 - QH host card?

V1200 - H supports dual 1920x1200 resolution monitors or a single 2560x1600. V1200 - QH supports double that. Also note the standard V1200 - QH PCIe card is full height half length, and the V1200 - H is Low Profile.

How easy is a PCIe PCoIP Host Card to install and setup?

Very. If you follow the instructions, you should be up and running in 5-10 minutes for a first time installation. If you run into problems we are there to help. Contact us at: 866-865-5250 What are my cable options?

You can choose one of the following: MiniDP to DP or MiniDP to DVI or MiniDP to MiniDP