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XC2® Integrated Software Suite
Water Quality, Distribution and Collection
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XC2 Software - Technical Notes
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Technical Note July 5, 2006
TOPIC:
Using Windows Terminal Server (or CITRIX) to access XC2 Software over a WAN, wireless remote, or the Internet.
Additional: Remote Wireless Connections, Broadband Wireless Cards, Connecting via the Internet from a remote system.
NOTE: EngSoft Solutions does not provide technical support assistance for Terminal Server/CITRIX. Your IT/IS department will need to set up and control access via this system. This technical note is for informational purposes only. There is a wealth of information and suppor on the web regarding these technologies.
If your XC2 system requires users to access XC2 over a WAN it is certainly possible that performance can be impaired if the bandwidth/connection speeds are not high or reliable. You may also want to allow your users to be able to access XC2 from their home or via a wireless connection from their laptop/notebook in the field. Connection speed to the Internet can be as low as a 56K modem connection for adequate performance.
One very effective alternative we have found is to set up a Windows Terminal Server/CITRIX on your network that your remote users may connect to using Remote Desktop Connection.
We have found that using this method, performance is excellent, with user perception being that of near LAN /Ethernet speeds. Printing to local printers is handled automatically by Terminal Server/Remote Desktop Connection provided printer drivers for local printers are installed on the Terminal Server machine.
Opening a port to Terminal Server:
In setting up the Terminal Server on your network, you will need to open a port to the server. By default Terminal Server and Windows 2000 Terminal Services uses TCP port 3389 for client connections. Microsoft does not recommend that this value be changed. However if you need to change the port, please consult Microsoft support site:
“How to change Terminal Server's listening port”.
You will need to configure the opening of this port to be secure as needed for your own network security.
We recommend that the Terminal Server machine exist as a separate machine from the XC2 Server or Desktop Single User. Printer Drivers will need to be installed on the Terminal Server machine in order for users to print to their local printers. The Remote Desktop Connection can be configured to open XC2 Client or XC2 Single-User upon opening the connection with Terminal Server.
NOTE: Assistance with setting up Terminal Server/Citrix/Remote Desktop Connection is not covered under the standard EngSoft/XC2 Technical Support Agreement. EngSoft can provide technical support and onsite setup in these areas, however an additional technical support agreement will be necessary. Please contact EngSoft if this additional support is needed.
EngSoft does not provide technical support or consulting in the area of network security under any circumstances.
You will need a computer configured as a Terminal Server.
Note: You will need to purchase Terminal Server CALs (Client Access Licenses) as well as Windows Server CALs
Example: (for up to 5 connected users):
Dell PowerEdge 830 – Tower System
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 521 at 2.8GHz, 1MB Cache, 800MHz FSB
2GB DDR2,533MHz, 4x512MB Single Ranked DIMMs
OS: Windows Server® 2003 R2
5 CALs (Client Access Licenses) (User CALs)
5 Terminal Server CALs (User CALs)
80 GB Hard Drive
CDROM (48x)
Gigabit Network Card
3Yr BASIC NBD: L1 Hardware Queue, Next Business Day Onsite, M-F 8am-6pm
Mouse/Keyboard/17” LCD Monitor
Cost for above Configuration: approx: $2800.00
To Install and Configure Terminal Server on the the server machine, please refer to the Microsoft Support Website:
Guidelines for Deploying Terminal Server
Configuring Remote Desktop Connection
Remote Desktop Connection is part of Windows XP (Programs:Accessories:Communications)
If you are using Windows 2000, you will need to download Remote Desktop Connection from Microsoft.
Configuring Remote Desktop Connection
Indicate the router IP Address, User Name, Password and Domain
We recommend 16 bit color and Full Screen
Check the “Printers” checkbox under “Local Devices”
Programs Tab: Indicate the XC2 Client (or Single-User) executable location.
Indicate the connection speed and other user options:
Resources:
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