Meeting optimization for VDI in Zoom

There are times when multiple users use a VDI server at the same time since it is a shared hardware resource. It is generally true that VDI hardware – which can be used to support multiple virtual desktops – cannot support the additional processing requirements of video conferencing on top of other software requirements.

To solve this problem, the Zoom VDI client and plugin removes most media processing workloads from the VDI server and instead forwards the tasks to the plugin, which in turn processes the media on the local computer using CPU and RAM processes plugin resources. To ensure the user experience is optimized, Zoom sends independent data streams to both the VDI client and the plugin, allowing them to focus on what they do best.

In this article we will cover the following topics:

• VDI meeting optimization
• Alternative connection modes
  • UDP/channel optimization
  • fallback mode
• Supported meeting optimization clients

Prerequisites for optimizing Zoom Meetings

• There are many organizations that use Citrix XenDesktop or VMware Horizon servers to publish their desktops, or those that use Windows Remote Desktop.
• AVD Client for Citrix Workspace, VMware Horizon for Windows, or Citrix Workspace for VMWare Horizons
  Note: You cannot download Citrix Workspace app from the Microsoft Store.

VDI meeting optimization

To achieve this streamlined experience, the VDI client renders a placeholder that essentially encapsulates the Zoom meeting’s meeting content and meeting toolbar buttons to create an empty meeting placeholder. Through its direct connection to the Zoom meeting, the VDI client also manages in-meeting data such as the participant list as well as a screen-sharing session of the local user’s desktop so that he or she can join the meeting.

Direct Optimization

A similar approach is taken when the plugin is integrated into the in-place optimization experience, where it assists the VDI client by doing the other half of what the VDI client should be doing. A direct connection to Zoom is also provided, allowing the plugin to receive meeting video, audio and content from the Zoom meeting. These elements are then layered on the meeting content placeholder image on the VDI client.

With the VDI client and plugin, the VDI meetings are rendered as layers, with the plugin’s media overlaid on the VDI client’s Zoom placeholder, creating an immersive, synchronized experience. By using the existing virtual channel provided by the VDI software provider, the plugin and the VDI client coordinate their efforts.

Two data streams are maintained in the Zoom Cloud for both the VDI desktop and the plugin, so both can be accessed at the same time. Here’s what happens when you work in Direct Optimized mode:

• This plugin receives streaming data streams from the cloud used for incoming content such as video, audio and social media.
• In the VDI desktop, all meeting data is received in the Zoom client placeholder as general meeting data, e.g. B. Participant information, and the VDI desktop will see this information along with any uploaded local screen share content.
• Through the VDI provider’s virtual circuit, both the plugin and the VDI desktop communicate with each other and signal where to place and render the screen media between the two layers, using the provider’s virtual circuit to exchange information.

Alternative connection modes

As part of the Zoom meeting infrastructure, the VDI client supports three different connection modes. Direct Optimized, Zoom’s most common mode for desktop users, includes both the VDI client and the Zoom plugin, which creates a unique connection to Zoom and renders its own parts of a Zoom meeting independently for a seamless experience .

There are also a number of other connection modes that the VDI client can use – UDP/Channel Optimized and Fallback Mode – to suit individual workflow needs or security concerns. There are a number of significant differences between the various modes of operation, as shown in the table below.

UDP/channel optimization

There is a similar process to direct optimization in terms of UDP and channel optimization where the plugin renders the meeting media even though the network path is different. A number of things happen in this mode, including:

• In order for meeting media to be delivered from Zoom Cloud to the VDI Server, it must first be delivered to the VDI Server.
• If a UDP connection cannot be established, the VDI server transmits the media to the plugin over an existing virtual channel on the VDI server or over the out-of-band connection if a UDP connection cannot be established.

Unless your organization is able to allow direct Internet access for thin clients (or other remote devices), it may be better suited to using this method, although the additional routing may result in a less than optimal experience than direct optimization.

fallback mode

With fallback mode enabled, Zoom clients run directly on the VDI server and receive an unoptimized VDI experience. In this configuration only the VDI client communicates with Zoom as no media optimization or plugin is used.

Because of the processing that must be performed by VDI servers, this method is not the preferred option. A fallback mode can result in VDI sluggishness, choppy video, garbled audio, and a variety of other quality issues when running the software in fallback mode. If plugins are not available or if this is not possible as a last resort, it is recommended not to use them.

Note: To maintain server performance, it is recommended to avoid fallback mode whenever possible.

Supported meeting optimization clients

Here is a list of the virtual desktop agents and operating systems currently supported for optimizing meetings with virtual desktop agents.

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FAQ

Does Zoom work with VDI?

With Zoom, you can access your VDI environment through Citrix, VMware or Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) solutions, and the application can also be deployed to thin client devices.

How does zoom VDI plugin working?

Incoming videos, audio files and other types of incoming content are all received directly from the cloud via the plugin. VDI desktops receive and display all general meeting information – like attendee information – and upload any local screen share content available in the Zoom client placeholder.

How do I know what version of Zoom VDI I have?

window | macOS | Linux

1. Open the Zoom desktop client on your computer and sign in with your Zoom account.

2. Client options can be accessed by clicking on your profile picture.

3. If you click on “Help” you can select “About Zoom”. The Zoom desktop client will show the version you currently have installed on your computer.

What is the easiest way to plan a zoOm meeting?

Please open Zoom and log into your Zoom account once opened. The Time schedule You can find the icon at the bottom of the Zoom client window by clicking on it. In the Topic field, please enter a meaningful description of what your meeting will be about. The date and time must be entered in the date field along with the date and time.

Does Zoom have a scheduling tool?

You can use the Zoom desktop client to log in. On the Home tab you will find a button called Schedule. As soon as you click on this button, the planning window opens. Your meeting settings will appear once you select them.