What is a vdi.We have at our disposal many tools with which we can improve privacy on the network and also remotely access systems and equipment without compromising security. In this article we are going to talk about what VDI stands for and how it differs from VPN. Both solutions can be used for teleworking, something that has recently gained a lot of importance among users.
What does VDI mean/What is a vdi
VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. It is a term that has appeared in the times, closely related to teleworking. Allows you to host desktop environments on a central server. Basically we can say that it is a form of desktop virtualization. Desktop images run in virtual machines and are delivered to end clients on a network. We can say that these end terminals can be a computer, tablets, mobile devices or any other.
There are different characteristics that are common in a VDI. The virtual desktops are present in virtual machines on a centralized server. In addition, each desktop includes an image of an operating system, which can be Windows. These virtual machines are host-based and end clients have to stay constantly connected to that centrally managed server.
Therefore, we can say that with a VDI each user will have their own dedicated system with the ability to configure themselves in a personalized way according to their interests. Through the client software they have, they can access the desktop from anywhere and at any time.
How a VDI works
The way in which a VDI works is the following: a user logs in to the desktop through that software that we have mentioned, the connection agent authenticates him and accepts the connection.
That same connection broker analyzes that request and sends the user to the corresponding desktop. On the servers there are virtual machines created where this desktop is hosted.
Keep in mind that the administrator could turn off that virtual desktop when the user is not using it. This allows more users to take advantage of the maximum capacity of that server.
Advantages of a VDI
A VDI has different advantages. Let’s see which are the main ones:
- Access : undoubtedly one of the main advantages is being able to access from anywhere and at any time.
- Security : security is also a factor that is present in a VDI. They store the data in an encrypted way, without worrying about possible losses or leaks.
- Multiple Devices – A VDI can be accessed from different types of devices. The desktop is not linked to a specific hardware, so we can access it from any computer, anywhere.
- Reduced costs : it is also necessary to take into account that it supposes a saving in costs. We have a cloud system, so it eliminates the cost of hardware.
Differences between VDI and VPN
VPN tools are widely used and available on all types of operating systems. Also for teleworking they have gained a very important weight in recent times. However, we are going to name the main differences between a VDI and a VPN.
- Processing : One of the most marked differences is that processing in a VPN takes place on the user’s own device.
- Cost : there are also differences in terms of cost. In the case of a VPN, it is less, since it requires a minimum of hardware and can take advantage of what most mobile phones or computers have.
- Configuration : a differential point is the difficulty to correctly configure a VDI and VPN. In the first case, it is necessary to use many different virtual machines and thus be able to support the user base.
- Troubleshooting : VDIs are generally less agile in order to resolve issues that appear. Also to correct vulnerabilities and release patches.
- Applications : in this case the applications are already installed on the remote desktop, while in the VPN we would have to install them on the system.
Ultimately, these are some of the main differences between a VPI and a VPN. As we can see, both cases are widely used for teleworking. They are very useful nowadays and they have more and more users.
