Remote-access Guide

dla citrix remote access

by Sheila Sipes Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How many remote users are using Citrix?

Between 6,000 and 7,800 remote users already accessed the Citrix platform every day, while most others used Citrix internally. Every day 16,000 DLA employees and contractors started remotely accessing Citrix, with as many as 20,000 unique sessions every month. Citrix is the most heavily used of the virtual remote solutions in place within the DLA.

How can Citrix Virtual Apps and desktops help DLA?

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops enables home-based employees and contractors to securely share information, collaborate, easily access files, and carry out tasks in much the same way that was possible in the office. The same technology will enable DLA to immediately make another transition to whatever the ‘new normal’ work style becomes.

What is Citrix and how does it work?

The Citrix platform makes this secure access possible by giving users access to their physical office PCs. If users can access their office PCs, they can access all the applications, data, and resources they need to do their work.

What is remote PC access in Citrix Virtual Apps?

Remote PC Access is a feature of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops that enables organizations to easily allow their employees to access corporate resources remotely in a secure manner. The Citrix platform makes this secure access possible by giving users access to their physical office PCs.

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How do I connect to DLA?

Need further assistance?DLA Service Portal (.mil access only)844-DISA-HLP (844-347-2457) or DSN 850-0032. Press 5, then speak or enter D-L-A.

How do I log into my Citrix remote desktop?

Connect to Citrix Remote Desktop (subsequent connections) 1 From the firm's web site https://www.squirepattonboggs.com click the Login link. 2 Click the link for the Remote Desktop session you require. 3 Enter your Username (email address) and Password, then click Sign In.

How do I use Citrix remotely?

Create a Citrix Cloud account (if you don't have one already) Obtain a Citrix Virtual Desktops service account. Create a new Resource Location (your office) and install the Citrix Cloud Connectors in it. Install Citrix Virtual Delivery Agent on the Remote PC Access hosts.

What is remote access portal?

These portals emphasize security, protection, and privacy of intranet resources. The architecture of Secure Remote Access is well suited to these types of portals. Secure Remote Access software enables users to securely access intranet resources through the Internet without exposing these resources to the Internet.

How do I access my Citrix Receiver from home?

InstructionsVisit www.citrix.com/partnercentral.Select the Request Account button.Enter information in the required fields and search. ... If the system finds your company, it will display in a box at the bottom of the page.Click the radial button next to the company name and the Continue button.More items...

How do I connect to my Citrix Receiver?

On the Windows Start screen or Apps screen, locate and click the Citrix StoreFront tile. Select the Stores node in the left pane and in the Actions pane, click Manage Receiver for Web Sites, click Configure, and choose Client Interface Settings. Select Enable Receiver/Workspace app configuration.

How do I access remote desktop connection?

On your local Windows PC: In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection. In Remote Desktop Connection, type the name of the PC you want to connect to (from Step 1), and then select Connect.

What is Citrix RDP?

RDP Access – Remote Desktop – lets you connect to your UIHC workstation from a different computer, and operate it as if you were sitting right in front of it. RDP access must be requested through the Enterprise Service Center Service Catalog.

How does remote access VPN Work?

A remote access VPN works by creating a virtual tunnel between an employee's device and the company's network. This tunnel goes through the public internet but the data sent back and forth through it is protected by encryption and security protocols to help keep it private and secure.

How can I remotely access another computer over the internet?

To remotely access another computer within your network over the internet, open the Remote Desktop Connection app and enter that computer's name, and your username and password. Click the magnifying glass icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Do this from the computer you want to access over the internet.

How can I remotely access my computer from my phone?

Remotely Access Android From a PC With AirDroid Cast To get started, you need to download AirDroid Cast for Windows or Mac, as well as the Android AirDroid Cast app on your phone. Now launch the apps on both devices. In your desktop app you'll see a QR code; tap the Scan icon, scan the code, then tap Start Casting.

What is the main purpose of a RAS server?

A remote access server (RAS) is a type of server that provides a suite of services to remotely connected users over a network or the Internet. It operates as a remote gateway or central server that connects remote users with an organization's internal local area network (LAN).

What is the difference between RAS and VPN?

Information sent over a VPN is secure, it«s both authenticated and encrypted, while information sent via RAS lacks these security features. Although RAS served a purpose in providing LAN access to remote users, its time has clearly passed.

What is the difference between RAS and RRAS?

Microsoft Remote Access Server (RAS) is the predecessor to Microsoft Routing and Remote Access Server (RRAS). RRAS is a Microsoft Windows Server feature that allows Microsoft Windows clients to remotely access a Microsoft Windows network.

What is needed for remote access?

Remote computer access requires a reliable internet connection. You'll need to activate or install software on the device you want to access, as well as on the device — or devices — you want to use to get that access.

A long-term strategy was the basis

In order to understand the value of some of the initiatives undertaken by the DLA in its journey, it helps to review goals that have been underscored in recent years:

Before COVID-19: laying a solid foundation for the future

Along with the overarching priority of moving to the cloud, the agency’s long-term strategy provided an ambitious set of goals for the DLA J6 (IT team) that would enable DLA’s path to get there.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops implementation and datacenter consolidation

Long before COVID-19, multiple Citrix solutions were in use throughout the DLA. The first foundational initiative DLA embarked upon was to take central control of all IT operations. This would allow DLA HQ to start the digital transformation into an enterprise IT environment, streamlining management and controlling costs.

Device choice: crucial for employees and contractors

Another significant change that resulted from the consolidation project was the expansion of the bring your own device (BYOD) model to the entire DLA population, instead of just allowing employees to take advantage of the original home telework program.

The benefit of continuous service

To create an enterprise VDI service that could be migrated to the cloud, DLA decided to consolidate its multiple regional datacenters into two main datacenters, with either being able to host all users in the event of a failover. These datacenters operate in an active/active design, with each housing roughly half of the DLA CONUS user population.

Implementing Citrix ADC SDXs

Citrix ADC (formerly known as Citrix NetScaler) is the tunneling, or proxy, and GSLB solution. This provides FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) 140-2 Level 2 compliant data-in-transit (DIT), and seamless integration with the Citrix client. It is supported by the onsite Citrix consulting staff.

Integrating metrics and better management into the DLA enterprise dashboard

One of the hardest things for enterprise leaders is amassing metrics that equate to success or failure of a project. For IT teams, it is triaging an issue so it can be routed to the correct team and quickly resolved. Citrix is one of the solutions that helps solve these needs.

A long-term strategy was the basis

In order to understand the value of some of the initiatives undertaken by the DLA in its journey, it helps to review goals that have been underscored in recent years:

Before COVID-19: laying a solid foundation for the future

Along with the overarching priority of moving to the cloud, the agency’s long-term strategy provided an ambitious set of goals for the DLA J6 (IT team) that would enable DLA’s path to get there.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops implementation and datacenter consolidation

Long before COVID-19, multiple Citrix solutions were in use throughout the DLA. The first foundational initiative DLA embarked upon was to take central control of all IT operations. This would allow DLA HQ to start the digital transformation into an enterprise IT environment, streamlining management and controlling costs.

Device choice: crucial for employees and contractors

Another significant change that resulted from the consolidation project was the expansion of the bring your own device (BYOD) model to the entire DLA population, instead of just allowing employees to take advantage of the original home telework program.

The benefit of continuous service

To create an enterprise VDI service that could be migrated to the cloud, DLA decided to consolidate its multiple regional datacenters into two main datacenters, with either being able to host all users in the event of a failover. These datacenters operate in an active/active design, with each housing roughly half of the DLA CONUS user population.

Implementing Citrix ADC SDXs

Citrix ADC (formerly known as Citrix NetScaler) is the tunneling, or proxy, and GSLB solution. This provides FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) 140-2 Level 2 compliant data-in-transit (DIT), and seamless integration with the Citrix client. It is supported by the onsite Citrix consulting staff.

Integrating metrics and better management into the DLA enterprise dashboard

One of the hardest things for enterprise leaders is amassing metrics that equate to success or failure of a project. For IT teams, it is triaging an issue so it can be routed to the correct team and quickly resolved. Citrix is one of the solutions that helps solve these needs.

How did Citrix help DLA?

The Citrix team began by helping DLA review and consolidate its existing Citrix deployments. Part of this process was consolidating the existing virtual application deployments and upgrading to a Citrix XenDesktop® enterprise license. The license consolidation effectively transformed existing telework solutions into virtual desktop solutions; enabled DLA to avoid purchasing new physical desktop systems in the future; and delivered measurable administrative, application performance, security and mobility gains. At the same time, DLA gained access to a suite of desktop and app virtualization capabilities to move its mission forward.

How does DLA work?

By using its buying power , the DLA was able to consolidate disparate license, maintenance and support contracts into enterprise contracts, resulting in significant cost savings through economies of scale and reducing or eliminating redundant implementations. Consolidated licensing also saves considerable time in executing annual contracts and helps ensure appropriate, continuous coverage.

What is telework policy?

This policy meant that users would be able to access applications, data and network resources wherever they worked. This telework policy demanded a robust technology solution that would allow users to remotely and securely connect to unclassified DLA networks. DLA employees connected with government-furnished equipment (GFE) laptops from home, thus helping to ensure mission continuity during routine telework, weather emergencies and possible pandemic activities. This included granting secure remote access to datacenter-hosted resources as well as with traditional VPN access from GFE devices.

What is DLA in the military?

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, has always taken a strategic approach to using information technology (IT) for achieving its mission. However, its goal of becoming a high-performing agency ran head-on into shrinking budgets and sequestration constraints. To improve its agility in the event of an emergency or catastrophic events, DLA adopted a telework, and later, a Home Use computing program. As the Agency’s CTO, Mr. Lashbrook establishes the technical vision and leads all aspects of DLA’s technical IT development. He is responsible for ensuring cost reduction and providing value-added cost management analysis for the DLA and J6 leadership. By leveraging prior investments, virtualizing critical functionality, and standardizing its IT infrastructure, DLA enabled a mobile workforce capable of working anywhere. As a result, the agency avoided major new equipment costs, reduced licensing costs, increased security, simplified IT management and improved the end-user experience.

Why is telework important to DLA?

Telework has become a critical component of DLA’s continuity of operations plans, because it helps the agency remain operational during events that would otherwise close government buildings. Network connectivity, stored data, processes and procedures, and client information can survive centralized disruption or destruction and be revived quickly through the agency’s Continuity of Operations Plan and corresponding off-site network.

Is telework a good incentive?

Work schedules that allow telework are also a tremendous incentive for potential employees. The DLA mission comes first, but family-friendly programs attract people to work for the agency. Making it easier for employees to balance family and work-life obligations are viewed as an important part of being a good employer.

Citrix Access Gateway (CAG)

CAG is designed for users that do not have VA Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). CAG is a good option to allow users access to general applications such as email and chat.

Cisco AnyConnect VPN

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client is only for use on VA Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and is installed on all GFE laptops.

Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is designed for users with a Windows 10 (either VA-furnished or privately-owned) or personal Windows 11 computer. This is a good option for users who need access to a standardized VA desktop (PIV or eToken required).

PIV Issues?

Using the yourIT Self Service, you can now initiate your own 24-hour PIV exemption!

Tips for Telework

Place your router in a central area of your home and elevate it off the floor in an upright position.

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