Multi-Session Hosts

A multi-session host is a virtual machine that hosts published applications and desktops for remote access. In a Horizon 8 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 Horizon Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In (formerly View Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In) if it also has Horizon Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In installed. For information on setting up an RDS host and installing Horizon Agent, see “Setting Up Remote Desktop Services Hosts” in the Desktops and Applications in Horizon 8 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 Desktops and Applications in Horizon 8. A Linux-based multi-session host can support Horizon Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In if it also has Horizon Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In installed.

For instructions on installing Horizon Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In, see Installing Horizon 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 Horizon Agent Direct-Connection Plug-In, you must entitle published desktops and applications. See Windows - Entitle Published Desktops and Applications.