When preparing for the “AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop” exam, understanding how to configure session timeout properties is an essential skill. Timing out allows you to maximize the use of system resources by automatically disconnecting inactive or idle sessions after a defined period. This article will walk you through how to configure these properties.
To begin with, you need to understand the different types of session timeouts applicable to Azure Virtual Desktop. These include:
- Idle Session Limit: This is the maximum amount of time that an idle session stays open. If a user does not interact with the session within this time, Azure automatically disconnects it.
- Disconnected Session Limit: This defines how long a disconnected session remains open. After this period, Azure automatically ends the session.
- Temporary Session Limit: This applies to when a new session host is being provisioned or during an update.
To configure these settings, you would primarily use the PowerShell module for Azure Virtual Desktop.
Configuring Idle Session Limit And Disconnected Session Limit
In configuring the Idle Session Limit and Disconnected Session Limit, the Set-RdsHostPool cmdlet is used. Here’s the general syntax for this cmdlet:
Set-RdsHostPool -TenantName "yourTenantName" -Name "yourHostPoolName" -IdleSessionLimit "timeInMinutes"
To configure the Disconnected Session Limit, replace `-IdleSessionLimit` with `-DisconnectedSessionLimit` in the above command.
Suppose you wish to set an idle session limit of 3 hours. Your command would look something like this:
Set-RdsHostPool -TenantName "contoso" -Name "contosoHost" -IdleSessionLimit 180
This command sets the Idle Session Limit to 180 minutes (3 hours) for the Host Pool named ‘contosoHost’ in the tenant ‘contoso’.
Configuring Temporary Session Limit
The Temporary Session Limit is set slightly differently using the ‘New-AzWvdUpdatePolicy’ cmdlet. Here’s how you can do it:
$policy = New-AzWvdUpdatePolicy -LoadBalancingType "DepthFirst" -MaximumSessionLimit 2
Set-AzWvdHostPool -ResourceGroupName "resourceGroupName" -Name "hostPoolName" -UpdatePolicy $policy
In this command:
- `LoadBalancingType` is set as “DepthFirst”
- `MaximumSessionLimit` is set to ‘2’.
- The `Set-AzWvdHostPool` command is then used to apply this policy to the host pool.
Remember to replace “resourceGroupName” and “hostPoolName” with the actual names of your resource group and host pool, respectively.
It’s important to note that these properties can also be set using Azure portal in the settings of the respective Host Pool.
By understanding and applying these session timeout configurations, you can better manage resource utilization and improve connectivity and client experience in your Azure Virtual Desktop environment. As a candidate for the AZ-140 exam, mastering these configurations will showcase your ability to optimally manage and operate the Azure Virtual Desktop service.
Practice Test
In the Azure portal, the default session timeout for a user is 4 hours. True or False?
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In the Azure portal, the default session timeout for a user is indefinite until they manually log out. However, it may be changed based on the requirements.
What is Session Timeout in Azure?
- A. It is the time till the user remains logged in.
- B. It is a timeout if a user’s session remains inactive.
- C. It is a timeout for data processing.
- D. It is a timeout for Azure Storage.
Answer: A, B
Explanation: In Azure, session timeout is related to the user’s logged-in session. It includes both the total time a user remains logged in and the timeout if their session remains inactive.
Which Azure feature allows you to configure session timeouts?
- A. Azure Active Directory
- B. Azure Policy
- C. Azure Monitor
- D. Host pool settings
Answer: D
Explanation: Session timeouts are configured in the settings of a Host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Session timeout settings in Azure can be configured for both active and idle sessions. True or False?
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: In Azure, session timeout settings can be used to specify a timeout for idle sessions (sessions in a disconnected state) and a limit for active sessions.
Why is configuring session timeouts important in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A. To ensure data security.
- B. To manage resources effectively.
- C. To prevent unlimited session durations.
- D. All of the above.
Answer: D
Explanation: Configuring session timeouts is crucial for data security, managing resources, and preventing sessions from running indefinitely, all of which are important for efficient operation in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Azure Virtual Desktop provides you the ability to pre-configure a session timeout. True or False?
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop provides you the flexibility to pre-configure a session timeout according to specific business requirements.
In Azure, the session timeout for an inactive user is set to 4 hours by default. True or False?
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: By default, the session timeout for an inactive user is set to 4 hours in Azure. However, it can be configured as required.
Can the session timeout setting in Azure be configured for individual users?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: B
Explanation: Session timeout settings in Azure can’t be configured for individual users, rather it’s done at the host pool level which applies to all users connecting using that host pool.
It is necessary to have Azure Active Directory configured to manage session timeout properties. True or False?
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Session timeout configurations are managed in the settings of the Host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop and do not require Azure Active Directory configuration.
Azure Virtual Desktop allows you to force logoff users when the session limit is reached. True or False?
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop provides an option to automatically logoff users once the session limit is reached, helping manage resource utilization more effectively.
Interview Questions
What is a session timeout property in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop?
A session timeout property in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is a feature that automatically logs off users from their Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI) sessions after a defined period of inactivity.
How can you set session timeout properties in Azure Virtual Desktop?
To configure session timeout properties, navigate to Azure Virtual Desktop Host Pool settings. In the settings, adjust the settings for ‘Disconnected Session Timeout’, ‘Idle Session Timeout’, or ‘Session Timeout’.
What is “Idle Session Timeout” in Azure Virtual Desktop?
“Idle Session Timeout” is a parameter that specifies the maximum amount of time that an idle session (a session without user interaction) remains open.
What are the functions of “Disconnected Session Timeout” in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The “Disconnected Session Timeout” is a setting that allows administrators to configure the maximum time a user session can remain active after the user has disconnected from it. When this timeout expires, the session will be automatically logged off.
How can you configure “Disconnected Session Timeout” in Azure Virtual Desktop?
Through PowerShell, the user can configure the ‘Disconnected Session Timeout’ by using the ‘Set-RdsHostPool’ command with the flag ‘-DisconnectedSessionTimeoutInMinutes’ followed by the desired time-out duration in minutes.
What happens when “Idle Session Limit” is exceeded in Azure Virtual Desktop?
When the “Idle Session Limit” time is exceeded, the idle session gets automatically logged out by Azure Virtual Desktop service, freeing up resources.
Which PowerShell command is used to set the Idle Session Limit for a Host Pool in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The ‘Set-RdsHostPool’ command is used to set the Idle Session Limit for a Host Pool in Azure Virtual Desktop. You have to use the -IdleSessionLimitInMinutes flag followed by the desired time-out duration in minutes.
What is the default setting for the “Idle Session Timeout” in Azure Virtual Desktop?
In Azure Virtual Desktop, the default setting for “Idle Session Timeout” is typically determined by the local group policy settings on the VM.
Can you specify session timeout settings while creating a host pool through the Azure portal?
No, currently the Azure portal doesn’t support configuring session timeouts during the creation of a host pool. They can only be modified in the host pool’s properties after it’s creation.
How can you verify the current session timeout settings in Azure Virtual Desktop?
You can use the ‘Get-RdsHostPool’ PowerShell command to retrieve the session timeout settings for a specified host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop.
What happens when “Disconnect Session Timeout” is exceeded in Azure Virtual Desktop?
When the allowable disconnected session time is exceeded, Azure Virtual Desktop service will forcefully log off the disconnected session, freeing up resources.
Can the session timeout settings be configured at a user level in Azure Virtual Desktop?
No, the session timeout settings like ‘Disconnected Session Timeout’ and ‘Idle Session Timeout’ are set at the host pool level and apply to all users that connect to the host pool.
Which protocol standards does Azure Virtual Desktop use to handle session timeouts?
Azure Virtual Desktop uses the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) standard to handle session timeouts.
What is the ‘Session Timeout’ limit in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The ‘Session Timeout’ is a feature that forces a log off after a specific duration whether the user is active or not. The limit for this timeframe is set by the IT admin and can range from never to a specified period.
What are the benefits of configuring session timeout properties in Azure Virtual Desktop?
Configuring session timeout properties can maximize resource utilization, and provide an additional layer of security by automatically logging off users from their Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI) sessions after a defined period of inactivity, thus preventing unauthorized access to the sessions.
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