Managing session hosts efficiently is key for a streamlined use of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Therefore, having a solid update strategy for session hosts is essential.
A session host is an Azure Virtual Machine that runs the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) session for users. The best way to maintain these session hosts is by using an update strategy that helps keep them up-to-date with the latest features and security patches, ensuring optimised performance and security.
There are several strategies you can implement for updating your session hosts. Some of these strategies include the Golden Image Strategy, the Host Pool Strategy, and the Azure DevOps Strategy. Each of these strategies has its pros and cons.
1. Golden Image Strategy
The Golden Image strategy makes use of a ‘golden image’ – an up-to-date, pre-configured template from which all session hosts in the environment are made. Updates are applied to the golden image, and when a new session host is required, it is built using the updated golden image. This helps to ensure your session hosts are always up-to-date.
Pros
- Always up-to-date session hosts.
- Time-saving as it avoids the need for manual updating.
Cons
- Image version control can become challenging over time.
2. Host Pool Strategy
The Host Pool Strategy involves using strategies such as breadth-first or depth-first for load balancing. You can deploy updates by either updating all session hosts at once or updating them one by one.
Pros
- Easier management of session hosts.
- You can update session hosts without affecting all users at once.
Cons
- Could be more time-consuming than Golden Image strategy.
- More manual work involved in sequencing updates.
3. Azure DevOps Strategy
Azure DevOps strategy uses Azure pipelines to manage updates for your session hosts. This strategy involves defining build and release pipelines to manage the updating process.
Pros
- Highly automated process.
- Ability to use version control on your updates.
Cons
- Requires knowledge and setup of Azure DevOps.
Conclusion
Each of these strategies has their place, depending upon the size of the organization, the resources available, and the particular requirements of the Azure Virtual Desktop.
For example, the Golden Image strategy can be a great choice for smaller organizations that have smaller host pools, while the Host Pool strategy might be more suitable for larger organizations that have a larger number of session hosts and need more control over the updating process.
In the case of Azure DevOps, this can be a handy strategy for organizations that already use Azure pipelines and want to streamline their update strategy.
In conclusion, it is recommended that organizations assess their individual needs and resources before deciding on the most appropriate update strategy for their session hosts. It might be beneficial to use a combination of these strategies, depending on your organization’s specific needs. Regardless, having a solid update strategy is key to maintaining a smooth and secure Azure Virtual Desktop environment.
Practice Test
True or False: Static deployment strategies are beneficial for updating session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: False
Explanation: Static deployment strategies are not recommended for updating session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop because they don’t provide flexibility or automation in managing updates.
What is the recommended update strategy for session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Manual updates
- b) Automated updates
- c) Static updates
- d) No updates
Answer: b) Automated updates
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop allows for automated updates to session hosts which can help to ensure that all session hosts are up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
True or False: You should not consider using load balancing for updating session hosts.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: False
Explanation: Load balancing is a recommended strategy for updating session hosts. This ensures that there is no disruption in service for users while updates are being applied.
In Azure Virtual Desktop, which of the following strategies allows for zero downtime during updates?
- a) Rolling updates
- b) Blue/Green strategy
- c) Canary releases
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these strategies allow for zero downtime during updates by testing changes in a small environment or gradually applying them.
You should always apply updates to all session hosts at once.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: It’s generally not advisable to apply updates to all session hosts at once. A better strategy is to apply updates in stages or to a small portion of hosts at a time.
Azure Update Management is an effective tool for managing updates for session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: Azure Update Management provides a centralized cross-platform solution for managing updates.
You should keep all session hosts on the same OS version.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: In general, keeping all session hosts on the same OS version simplifies management and ensures compatibility between hosts.
The Canary release strategy involves releasing updates to a small subset of session hosts before deploying to others.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: The Canary release strategy helps in identifying potential issues with updates early and reduces the impact of an problematic update.
It is advisable to create a snapshot of your session hosts before applying any updates.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: Creating a snapshot before applying updates allows you to return to a previous state if something goes wrong with the update process.
Manual intervention is required in automated update strategy for session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: The purpose of an automated update strategy is to reduce manual intervention and to maximize efficiency and reliability of the update process.
Interview Questions
What is a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop?
A session host in Azure Virtual Desktop is a server in the Azure cloud where Windows 10 or 7 is running.
What is an update strategy for session hosts?
An update strategy for session hosts entails planning for and managing updates and patches that are frequently released to ensure secure and efficient operation of the Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure.
Why is having an update strategy for session hosts important?
It is important to have an update strategy to reduce downtime, ensure the best performance and security, and avoid any software compatibility issues.
What is Azure automation Update Management?
Azure Automation Update Management is an Azure service that enables you to manage operating system updates for your Windows and Linux computers.
How can Azure Automation Update Management help in updating session hosts?
Azure Automation Update Management allows you to manage updates and patches not just for Azure VMs, but also for servers located on-premise or in other cloud environments, thus helping in smoothly updating session hosts.
What are the steps to follow in updating a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The steps include: Placing the host in drain mode, checking for any active sessions, updating the host, and then removing the host from drain mode.
What does “draining mode” mean in the context of updating session hosts?
Draining mode means preventing new session connections while allowing current sessions to finish their work before the host is updated.
Is there a way to automate the updating of session hosts?
Yes, using Azure Automation Update Management or PowerShell scripting, the updating of session hosts can be automated.
Can we use Azure Update Management on a scheduling basis to update session hosts?
Yes, Azure Update Management allows you to schedule update deployments to suit your business requirements, thereby creating a systematic update strategy.
What happens if there are active user sessions when a session host is updated?
If there are active user sessions when a session host is updated and it isn’t in drain mode, the users may lose unsaved work or be disconnected. This is why it’s crucial to place hosts in drain mode before updating.
What steps should be taken if a session host update fails?
If a session host update fails, you should review the error logs, rectify the issues that caused the update to fail, and reattempt the update.
Is there a specific sequence to follow while updating session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop?
While there’s no defined sequence, it’s usually recommended to update session hosts during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on users.
What are the best practices for an update strategy of session hosts?
Best practices include scheduling updates during non-business hours, periodically testing updates in a non-production environment before deployment, and maintaining a log of all updates for troubleshooting purposes.
Can we update session hosts using Azure DevOps?
Yes, with Azure DevOps pipelines, you can automate the update process of the session hosts.
Can we rollback the update on a session host if needed?
Depending on the type of the update, some updates may be rolled back, while others can’t. Keeping a backup or snapshot prior to the update can assist in a recovery scenario.
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