Deployment of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) in Host Pool

AVD: AVD is a cloud-based service from Microsoft that allows businesses to deliver virtualized desktops and applications to users, accessible from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection.

Terminology:

1.    HostPool: HostPool is a collection of virtual machines (VMs) that provide virtual desktops or applications for users to connect to, either as shared or personalized desktops.

2.     Application Groups: Application Group in Azure Virtual Desktop are containers that organize and manage the apps and desktops that users can access.

There are two main types:

·       RemoteApp: Allows users to access specific applications without the full desktop experience.

·       Desktop: Provides users with access to a full virtual desktop.

 They help admins assign and manage access to apps or desktops for different groups of users.

 3.    Workspaces: Workspace in Azure Virtual Desktop to provide users with a centralized access point to their virtual desktops and applications. Without a workspace, users wouldn’t have an easy way to find or launch the resources they need. The workspace organizes and simplifies the user experience by grouping all the assigned desktops and apps in one place, making access more efficient and streamlined.

 Note: An application group can only be assigned to a single workspace.

4.    Session Host: session hosts are the VMs that run the apps and desktops, and users interact with them based on how they’re set up—either shared or dedicated to them.

Difference B/w Hostpool and Session Host:

Host Pool: The collection of VMs (session hosts) that users connect to.

Session Host: The individual VM that provides the desktop or app experience to a user.

In short, a Hostpool is a container for multiple session hosts, and the session host is where the user's virtual environment runs.

Explanation and deployment of Host Pool:

Load Balancer in Host Pool: In simple terms, the Load Balancer in a Hostpool helps distribute user connections across multiple session hosts (VMs) in a way that ensures efficient use of resources and a smooth user experience this option only available once you selected Pooled Host Pool.

 Types of Load Balancing Algorithms in AVD:

 1.     Breadth-first (default):

o   How it works: Users are distributed evenly across all available session hosts in the hostpool. When a user connects, the load balancer assigns them to the first available host.

o   Best for: Scenarios where you want to ensure all VMs are equally utilized.

2.     Depth-first:

o   How it works: Users are directed to a session host until it reaches the max number of users allowed. Once a session host is full, the next available session host is used.

o   Best for: Scenarios where you want to use the same VM for a group of users, which is useful when there are persistent sessions (such as in a personal hostpool).

Steps to Create a Hostpool in Azure GUI Mode

1.     Login to the Azure Portal: https://portal.azure.com/

o   Open the Azure Portal and sign in with your credentials.

2.     Search for "Azure Virtual Desktop":

o   In the search bar, type “Azure Virtual Desktop” or navigate to "Azure Virtual Desktop" under All services.

3.     Create a Hostpool:

o   Once in the Azure Virtual Desktop blade, select "Host pools" in the left navigation pane.

o   Click on "Add" to start creating a new Hostpool.

4.     Configure Hostpool:

o   Hostpool Name: Give your Hostpool a name.

o   Region: Select the Azure region where the Hostpool will reside.

o   Hostpool Type: Choose between Pooled or Personal depending on your needs.

o   Validation Environment: Validation host pool allows you to test service changes before they are deployed to prod. If you select yes.

o   Preferred Group type: Desktop / Remote app

o   Max Session Limit: This is only for Pooled Host pools. You can set a limit for concurrent sessions per VM.

o   Load Balancer: You can choose a load balancing algorithm (breadth-first or depth-first). This option only visible if you are selecting the Pool Desktop group.

5.     Click on Next Sessions Host:

Select add the Virtual Machine Yes or No and move to next step

6.     Click on review Workspaces

If you have already created workspace then you can select the Yes to register your Host Pool with Workspace if you don’t have workspace then you can select No and later you can register your HostPool.

7.     Click on Advance if you want to enable the Diagnostic setting for the Hostpool

8.     Click on Tag if you want to tag

9.     Review and create your HostPool