Multi-Session Hosts

A multi-session host is a virtual machine that hosts published applications and desktops for remote access. In a Horizon deployment, a multi-session host has certain characteristics depending on whether it is a Windows-based or Linux-based virtual machine.

• A Windows-based multi-session host is a Windows server that has the Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role, the Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host service, and Horizon Agent installed. An RDS host can support View Agent Direct-Connection (VADC) if it also has VADC Plug-In installed. For information on setting up an RDS host and installing Horizon Agent, see “Setting Up Remote Desktop Services Hosts” in the Setting Up Published Desktops and Applications in Horizon document.
• A Linux-based multi-session host is a Linux machine that has Horizon Agent installed with the --multiple-session parameter included. For more information, see "Install Horizon Agent on a Linux Virtual Machine" and "Command-Line Options for Installing Horizon Agent for Linux" in Setting Up Linux Desktops in Horizon. A Linux-based multi-session host can support View Agent Direct-Connection (VADC) if it also has VADC Plug-In installed.

For instructions on installing VADC Plug-In, see Installing View Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In.

Note: When you install Horizon Agent on a Windows machine, the installer asks for the hostname or IP address of Connection Server that Horizon Agent will connect to. You can make the installer skip this step by running the installer with a parameter as follows.

VMware-Horizon-Agent-x86-YYMM-y.y.y-xxxxxx.exe /v "VDM_SKIP_BROKER_REGISTRATION=1"

After you set up a multi-session host and install VADC Plug-In, you must entitle published desktops and applications. See Windows - Entitle Published Desktops and Applications.