Definition of Connection Broker
A Connection Broker is a software component in a distributed computing environment that facilitates the connection between clients and remote resources, such as applications, services, or servers. It handles the distribution of workloads and manages resource allocation based on user requirements and system capacity. The Connection Broker aims to optimize resource utilization and enhance the overall performance and user experience in systems like Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or remote access platforms.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of “Connection Broker” is:kəˈnÉ›kʃən ˈbroÊŠkÉ™r
Key Takeaways
- Connection Broker is responsible for managing and allocating resources for remote desktop and application services. This ensures the efficient usage of resources and provides a better user experience.
- It enables load balancing for Remote Desktop Session Hosts (RDSH) and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI); distributing user connections across multiple servers to optimize performance and minimize resource overload on any single server.
- Connection Broker supports various deployment models, such as session virtualization, pooled virtual desktops, and personal virtual desktops, allowing businesses to tailor their remote desktop infrastructure based on their specific needs and requirements.
Importance of Connection Broker
The term “Connection Broker” is important in technology because it plays a vital role in managing and streamlining connections within distributed systems, particularly in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and remote access environments.
A Connection Broker efficiently connects users to their required resources, enhancing security, load balancing, and system reliability.
It simplifies the user experience by providing a single access point, and ensures optimal allocation of resources based on user needs and system availability.
Furthermore, it enables administrators to monitor and maintain network connections, thus strengthening overall performance and productivity in dynamic, modern computing environments.
Explanation
A Connection Broker serves as an essential component in the modern virtualized computing environment, specifically designed to add value to the user experience and the overall functionality of remote desktop services. The central purpose of this technology is to act as a mediator between the user and the specific resources they require in the virtualized environment. By establishing and managing connections to remote desktops and application instances, the Connection Broker plays a crucial role in efficiently allocating resources and load balancing across a network.
In addition, it ensures secure, seamless, and reliable user access to their virtual desktops and applications, greatly enhancing their productivity and the operational agility of the entire system. To further elaborate, Connection Brokers maintain a database that keeps track of user preferences, sessions, and the state of virtualized resources. When a user tries to access a particular application or a desktop, the Connection Broker intelligently determines the best available resource to fulfill that request, considering factors such as load, capacity, and pre-established policies.
This process alleviates the stress on individual servers and optimizes resource utilization. Moreover, the Connection Broker’s ability to adapt and scale according to organizational needs and workload ensures consistent performance even during high-demand periods. Ultimately, Connection Brokers serve the imperative purpose of simplifying and streamlining the management of virtual resources and optimizing the overall user experience in a secure, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
Examples of Connection Broker
A connection broker is a software tool that manages access to remote applications and desktops, distributing them efficiently among users. Connection brokers are often used in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments to improve user experience and optimize resource usage. Here are three real-world examples of connection broker technology:
VMware Horizon Connection Server: VMware Horizon Connection Server is a connection broker solution that streamlines the management of virtual desktops and applications in a VDI environment. It offers centralized administration, load balancing, and secure access control. VMware Horizon supports various display protocols such as PCoIP, Blast Extreme, and Microsoft RDP, enabling businesses of all sizes to provide a seamless and secure user experience for employees accessing remote applications and desktops.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RDCB): RDCB is an integral part of Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services, which provides remote access to desktops, applications, and data. RDCB manages user connections to virtual desktops, RemoteApp programs, and session-based desktops hosted on Remote Desktop Session Hosts (RDSH). It distributes connections based on factors like user load and available resources, ensuring seamless access to remote resources and optimal resource utilization.
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop): Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is a comprehensive VDI and application virtualization solution that includes a connection broker component. The broker component manages user connections to virtualized applications and desktops hosted on various platforms, such as Windows, Linux, and cloud services. It offers features like connection load balancing, session pre-launch, and session lingering, designed to enhance user experience by minimizing wait times and ensuring quick access to remote resources.
Connection Broker FAQ
What is a Connection Broker?
A Connection Broker is a software component that manages and optimizes connections between clients and servers. It helps in distributing client loads evenly across multiple servers, improving connection performance and ensuring that resources are used efficiently in a networked environment.
What are the benefits of using a Connection Broker?
Some of the primary benefits of using a Connection Broker include load balancing, resource optimization, security enforcement, and simplified connection management. It can also help in increasing application uptime and availability, as well as enhancing the overall user experience.
How does a Connection Broker work?
A Connection Broker works by intercepting client connection requests and selecting the appropriate server based on various factors such as current load, server capacity, and connection policies. Once the optimal server is identified, the Connection Broker establishes the connection between the client and server, allowing them to communicate seamlessly.
Are there different types of Connection Brokers?
Yes, there are several types of Connection Brokers, each designed to support specific environments and use cases. Some common types include remote desktop brokers, application brokers, and virtual machine brokers. These brokers can be tailored to meet specific requirements in various industries like healthcare, finance, education, and more.
How does a Connection Broker ensure security?
A Connection Broker can enforce security policies by authenticating users, authorizing access to resources, and encrypting communications between clients and servers. Additionally, it can monitor and audit connection attempts, allowing administrators to detect and respond to any potential security threats.
Related Technology Terms
- Load Balancing
- Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
- Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
- Session Persistence
- Resource Allocation
Sources for More Information
- Microsoft Docs: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-connection-broker
- VMware: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Horizon-7/7.12/horizon-architecture-planning/GUID-AEA046EC-18E3-43A3-B9CC-B52D43CF147A.html
- Citrix: https://docs.citrix.com/en-us/tech-zone/learn/technical-overviews/connection-broker.html
- TechTarget: https://searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com/definition/connection-broker
