Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Terminology

Understanding the core terminology of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is essential for deploying, managing, and optimizing virtual desktops and applications in the cloud. Familiarity with these terms can help you navigate the platform more effectively and communicate clearly about your virtual desktop infrastructure. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of key AVD terms that will aid in your understanding of the platform and its functionalities.

1. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

A cloud-based desktop and application virtualization service that allows users to access a full Windows desktop experience or specific applications hosted in the Azure cloud.

2. Azure Subscription

An Azure Subscription is the foundational component where all resources, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking for AVD, are deployed and managed. It acts as a container that groups resources and billing under one account.

3. Host Pool

A Host Pool is a collection of one or more virtual machines (VMs) that host user sessions in AVD. Each host pool can be set up to provide a personal desktop (dedicated to one user) or a pooled desktop (shared by multiple users). Host pools can be configured to support different workloads and can be scaled up or down based on demand.

• Personal Desktops: Each user gets their dedicated virtual machine.
• Pooled Desktops: Multiple users can connect to the same VM using multi-session capabilities.

4. Session Host

A Session Host is a virtual machine in the host pool where users’ desktop sessions run. Session hosts can run multiple user sessions simultaneously, allowing multiple users to connect to the same VM. They are configured with either a single-user or multi-session Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server operating system.

5. Virtual Machine (VM)

A Virtual Machine (VM) is a virtualized computing environment that mimics a physical computer. In AVD, VMs are the core infrastructure components that deliver virtual desktops to end-users. They are hosted in Azure and can be scaled based on demand.

6. Azure Active Directory (AAD)

Azure Active Directory (AAD) is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service. In AVD, it is used to authenticate users, ensuring that only authorized users can access virtual desktops and applications. AAD supports features like single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.

7. Application Group

An Application Group is a logical grouping of applications that can be published to users. There are two types of application groups:

• Desktop Application Group: Provides users with a full Windows desktop experience.
• Remote Application Group: Delivers individual applications rather than the entire desktop, allowing users to run specific apps from their device.

8. Workspace

A Workspace is a container that organizes and groups application groups, making it easier for users to access their assigned virtual desktops or remote applications. Users subscribe to a workspace to view and launch their available desktops or applications.

9. User Profile

The User Profile is the collection of user-specific settings, files, and configurations that define a user’s environment. User profiles can be managed using technologies like FSLogix, which helps in providing a consistent experience across sessions.

10. FSLogix

FSLogix is a technology used to manage user profiles in AVD. It stores user profiles in a virtual container and attaches them to the virtual desktop or application when users log in. This ensures faster logins, consistent user experiences across sessions, and a more seamless environment for roaming users.

11. Scaling Plan

A Scaling Plan in AVD helps automatically scale session hosts based on demand. It allows businesses to optimize resource usage and costs by scaling virtual machines up during peak times and down during off-peak periods, ensuring efficient use of resources.

12. Multi-Session

Multi-Session is a key feature of AVD, enabling multiple users to connect to a single virtual machine (VM) running a Windows 10 or 11 environment. This capability optimizes resource utilization and reduces costs while providing a familiar Windows experience.

13. Load Balancer

An AVD Load Balancer distributes user sessions across available session hosts within a host pool. This ensures that users are assigned to the least-loaded session host, optimizing performance and preventing any single VM from being overloaded.

14. User Profile Disk

A User Profile Disk is a virtual disk that stores a user’s profile data, ensuring their personalized settings, files, and configurations persist across sessions. This is typically managed using FSLogix technology.

15. RemoteApp

RemoteApp refers to the ability to deliver individual applications, rather than an entire desktop, to users in AVD. This allows users to run specific business applications remotely without having to log into a full desktop environment.

16. Management Plane

The Management Plane refers to the interface and services provided by Azure for deploying, configuring, and managing AVD resources. This is typically done via the Azure portal, PowerShell, or other automation tools.

17. Connection Broker

A Connection Broker is a component that manages user sessions. It authenticates users and directs them to an appropriate session host within the host pool. The connection broker ensures that users are assigned to the correct virtual desktop or application session based on the load and session status.

18. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC is a method of regulating access to AVD resources by assigning roles to users or groups. It ensures that only users with the appropriate permissions can manage specific aspects of the AVD environment, enhancing security and compliance.

19. ARM Templates

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates are JSON files that define the infrastructure and configuration of Azure resources, including AVD components. ARM templates allow for automation and repeatable deployments, making it easy to create consistent AVD environments.

20. Image

An Image is a pre-configured virtual hard disk (VHD) that contains the operating system and applications. Images can be used to create new session hosts in a host pool, ensuring consistency across deployments.

21. Network Security Group (NSG)

A Network Security Group (NSG) is a set of rules that control inbound and outbound traffic to Azure resources, including session hosts. NSGs help secure the virtual desktop environment by allowing or denying traffic based on specified criteria.

22. Client Application

The Client Application is the software that users install on their devices to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop. AVD client applications are available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

23. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol used to connect to remote computers, including Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts. RDP enables users to interact with their virtual desktops and applications as if they were using a local machine.

Conclusion

Understanding AVD terminology is crucial for effectively managing and utilizing Azure Virtual Desktop. Familiarity with these terms will help you communicate more effectively with your team, troubleshoot issues, and optimize your virtual desktop environment. Each component plays a key role in ensuring the AVD environment runs efficiently and securely. As you explore AVD, keeping this glossary in mind will enhance your overall experience and understanding of the platform.