FSLogix is an integral part of managing Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. FSLogix containers improve user performance by virtualizing user profiles, applications, and other system-level components. Implementation of storage for FSLogix components is a critical step in configuring and operating Azure Virtual Desktop, which is a topic covered under the AZ-140 exam. This article discusses how you can implement storage for FSLogix components.
FSLogix Profile Containers
FSLogix Profile Containers store entire user profiles, including the registry and all user files, in a virtual disk VHD/X file that is accessed simultaneously. Before a user signs in, the system mounts this VHD/X to a specific mount point.
Azure Files premium tiers outperform standard HDD-based storage options, so it is the recommended storage option for FSLogix Profile Containers. Azure NetApp Files can perform even better than Azure Files, but the cost may not justify the small performance increase.
Azure Blog Storage is not recommended for FSLogix profile disks because it does not support SMB protocol for file share.
| Storage Type | FSLogix Support | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Files | Yes | High-performance, SMB protocol | Higher cost |
| Azure NetApp | Yes | Higher performance than Azure Files | Very high cost |
| Blob Storage | No | Cost-efficient | Doesn’t support SMB protocol |
Implementation Steps
- Create a Storage Account:
For implementing storage, create an Azure storage account in the same region where your Azure Virtual Desktop is deployed. A storage account is a unique namespace in Azure for your data. Every object that you store in Azure Storage has an address that includes your unique storage account name.
- Create a File Share:
The next step is to create a file share in the storage account. This file share is where your FSLogix containers are stored. FSLogix uses native Windows SMB protocol, and hence Azure file shares make a great place to store your FSLogix profiles.
- Set Up Permissions:
Decide which users or groups have access to the file share. It’s important to know that these permissions are used for both network access and share permissions.
Implementing a storage solution for FSLogix Profile Containers
The storage configuration for FSLogix Profile Containers encloses elements of both local and network configurations. Let’s consider an example of implementing Azure Files to store FSLogix profile containers.
Use the following command to create a storage account:
New-AzStorageAccount -ResourceGroupName myResourceGroup -Name mystorageaccount -Location eastUS -SkuName Standard_RAGRS -Kind StorageV2
Establish a new file share with the New-AzStorageShare command:
$ctx = New-AzStorageContext -StorageAccountName mystorageaccount -UseConnectedAccount
New-AzStorageShare -Name myFileshare -Context $ctx
In this configuration, we used Azure Resource Manager (ARM) to create a storage account. We then developed a file share in the storage account. Remember that the names for your resource group, storage account, and file share should be unique.
When you are working with storage for FSLogix components, refer to Microsoft’s documentation on Azure Files. This will guide you to choosing the right performance tier, ensuring proper firewall settings, and using storage limits wisely.
In conclusion, implementing storage for FSLogix components is crucial for managing profiles and applications in a non-persistent environment. Understanding and choosing the right type of storage for FSLogix components can play a pivotal role in the performance of your Azure Virtual Desktop environment. You should consider factors such as cost, performance, and protocol support when making your decision.
Practice Test
True/False: FSLogix components can only be stored on local devices.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: FSLogix components can be stored not only on local devices but also in Azure Blob storage or Azure Managed Disks.
Which of the following are potential storage options for FSLogix components? (Select all that apply)
- a) Azure Blob Storage
- b) Azure Managed Disks
- c) Amazon S3
- d) Local devices
Answer: a, b, d
Explanation: FSLogix components can be stored on Azure Blob Storage, Azure Managed Disks, and local devices. Amazon S3 is not a compatible storage option for FSLogix components as it is part of a different cloud service provider.
Single select: The data for FSLogix Profile Container and Office 365 Container can be stored in?
- a) Azure Files
- b) Google Drive
- c) Dropbox
- d) OneDrive
Answer: a
Explanation: Azure Files is designed to manage and store the FSLogix Profile Container and Office 365 Container data.
True/False: FSLogix components can be stored in Azure NetApp Files.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure NetApp Files is ahigh-performance, highly available file storage service and it does support FSLogix.
Multiple select: Which of the following are potential benefits of storing FSLogix components in Azure Blob storage?
- a) Reduced costs
- b) High availability
- c) Compatibility with all types of file systems
- d) Easier access from on-premises locations
Answer: a, b
Explanation: Storing FSLogix components in Azure Blob Storage can help to reduce costs and ensure high availability. However, it does not inherently provide compatibility with all types of file systems, and it is more accessible from within Azure than from on-premises locations.
True/False: FSLogix components cannot be stored in Azure managed disks.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure Managed Disks is a volume-level data storage service that can be used to persistently store FSLogix component data.
Single Select: Which type of Azure storage is highly recommended for FSLogix components?
- a) Azure File Shares
- b) Azure Table Storage
- c) Azure Blob Storage
- d) Azure Queue Storage
Answer: a
Explanation: Azure File Shares is highly recommended for FSLogix because it provides SMB protocol access to Azure Blob Storage, designed for large amounts of unstructured and semi-structured data.
True/False: You can use Azure Blob storage for FSLogix Office 365 Container.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Blob storage is indeed a valid storage option for FSLogix Office 365 Container and is beneficial due to its high availability and scalability.
Multiple select: What are the key aspects to consider when configuring storage for FSLogix components?
- a) High scalability
- b) High performance
- c) High security
- d) Low cost
Answer: a, b, c, d
Explanation: When configuring storage for FSLogix components, it’s important to have high scalability for growing data, high performance for quick access and processing, high security to protect sensitive data, and low cost for economic efficiency.
True/False: You need to set up Azure NetApp Files before it can store FSLogix components.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Before storing FSLogix components, there are configurations that need to be made in NetApp Files such as creating a capacity pool and a volume.
Single select: How do FSLogix Profile Containers and Office 365 Containers store user data?
- a) In separate, individual files
- b) In a single, unified VHD file
- c) In the cloud, without a local copy
- d) In a local database
Answer: b
Explanation: FSLogix Profile Containers and Office 365 Containers encapsulate user data into a single VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) file. This facilitates a unified and consistent user experience across sessions.
Interview Questions
What is FSLogix?
FSLogix is a set of solutions that enhance, simplify, and accelerate user desktop management. It offers a better performance of Office 365 ProPlus in multi-user virtual environments.
What component of FSLogix handles the redirection of specific user files and folders?
FRLogix Profile Container is the component responsible for this task.
Where can you store FSLogix containers?
FSLogix containers can be stored on any file server or network-attached storage that supports SMB protocol.
How does FSLogix Profile Container improve the performance of virtual desktop environments?
In FSLogix Profile Container, user profiles are handled as VHD(X) files eliminating the need to download the entire profile during each sign-in and sign-out, thus significantly improving the performance.
What is the recommended storage type for FSLogix Profile Containers in Azure?
Azure Files with Premium tier is recommended for FSLogix Profile Containers in Azure.
When should you use FSLogix in your Azure Virtual Desktop?
You should use FSLogix in your Azure Virtual Desktop when you need to enhance, simplify, and accelerate user management, especially in multi-user virtual environments.
Can the FSLogix containers be stored in Azure Blob Storage?
No, FSLogix containers cannot be stored in Azure Blob Storage. They require a file system interface which is offered by Azure Files, not Azure Blob.
What is the role of FSLogix Office 365 Container?
FSLogix Office 365 Container improves the speed and reliability of Office 365 applications in virtual environments by storing OneDrive, Teams, and search index data in the container.
When using FSLogix Profile Containers, where are a user’s registry settings stored?
A user’s registry settings are stored within their respective Profile Container, as a part of their profile data.
How does FSLogix handle multiple users attempting to sign in to the same machine at the same time?
FSLogix handles multiple concurrent logins through its “Concurrent Access Mode.” This feature enables safe, simultaneous access to a single profile from multiple sessions.
What protocol is used to access FSLogix Profile Containers?
The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is used to access FSLogix Profile Containers.
Is it necessary to have Azure Premium Files storage for FSLogix container?
While it’s not an absolute requirement, Azure Files Premium Tier provides the IOPS, throughput, and consistency necessary for a smooth user experience with FSLogix.
Can FSLogix be used in a non-persistent virtual desktop infrastructure?
Yes, FSLogix is especially useful in a non-persistent environment because it can rapidly re-attach user profiles to any desktop in use, thereby preserving user settings, data, and customization.
What are the benefits of using FSLogix Storage Optimization?
FSLogix Storage Optimization reduces storage costs and improves logon times by eliminating the need for storage of duplicate data and the time spent copying large profiles.
What must be the minimal SMB version while considering storage for FSLogix containers?
The minimum SMB version for FSLogix containers is SMB 3.0.
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