What is Hyper-V Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Here you will find out:

what is VDI from Hyper-V
how does Hyper-V VDI work
when DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

What is VDI from Hyper-V?

Hyper-V VDI is an unconventional infrastructure for centralized desktop delivery. In other words, physical computers are replaced by virtual desktops and each user gets access to a dedicated virtual machine that runs a specific OS (for example, Windows Server and Linux).

Using VDI, it is possible to run virtual desktop instances, including client operating systems, applications, and other data, on a server-based virtual machine (VM) in the data center. To implement Hyper-V VDI, you need two Windows server roles: Hyper-V for creating and managing VMs, and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) for communication between the user and the virtual desktop over the network.

Using the Remote Desktop Protocol, any user input is sent directly to the remote application, and the application output is then displayed on the user's local device.

Tip: VDI vs VHD vs VMDK

Hyper-V VDI benefits

Of course, Hyper-V VDI greatly simplifies the management of current workloads by combining multiple instances of the desktop on one platform. But Hyper-V VDI still has a lot of positive qualities:

Administrators, without affecting performance, can easily support and provide all available desktops from a centralized server.
There is an opportunity to access your workstation from any location where there is Internet access.
The security of your environment is enhanced since all data is stored on a central server. Therefore, equipment failures are unlikely to somehow affect your work.
It is a cost-effective solution, because VDI Hyper-V requires less hardware and energy to support its performance. In addition, there will be no need for additional cash costs for the maintenance of additional employees, since one administrator can manage the environment.

How does Hyper-V VDI work?

VDI Hyper-V is so convenient to use that any successful company will use this technology sooner or later to simplify work.

Indeed, any end user/employee can access their virtual desktop from a centralized server, from any device. This is especially useful for remote work, which has recently become increasingly popular.

An administrator from the central management console can completely manage the work process (provide/deny users access to certain data, ensure timely updating and renewal of licenses and other services).

Each virtual machine with dedicated resources works autonomously and thus does not affect the performance of other VMs in any way, while maintaining data confidentiality.

To perform any I/O operations, the end device must be connected to the corporate network. In order to connect to your virtual desktop, you can use a thin, zero or thick client, as well as tablets or phones, laptops or docking stations.

Tip: HVD vs VDI

Hyper-V VDI structure

Here are the main components of the Hyper-V virtual desktop infrastructure:

1. Remote Desktop Virtualization node to provide each end user with their own workstation.
2. Remote Desktop Session Host. This is necessary so that multiple end devices can access Windows desktops and applications using special applications.
3. Remote Desktop Connection Broker. With this, a connection is made between end users and specific virtual desktops.
4. Remote Desktop Gateway. This provides public users with a secure network for connecting to virtual desktops.
5. Web access to the remote desktop. Provides access to virtual desktops and applications through a web page.
6. Licensing Remote Desktop. Provides RD licensing management in your Hyper-V VDI environment.

VMFS Recovery for VMDK, VHD files recovery

Missing, damaged VMDK or VHD files can be easily restored using DiskInternals VMFS Recovery. The application is as automated as possible (there is a built-in Recovery Wizard), as a result of which the current status of VMFS data storage, disks, and volumes is checked within several minutes. Checking the integrity of recovered data for customers is completely free. Then you can think about and make an informed decision about purchasing a license to export data.

Tip: Discover the difference between Hyper-V and VMware recovery!