Citrix ICA survives packet loss
While net conditions did not impede application delivery, file transfers via Citrix ICA took a noticeable performance hit.
 
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By CHARLES BRUNO
Tests also showed, however, that native file transfers transported over Citrix ICA sessions are very sensitive to network latency.
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The test results underscore the need for network professionals to benchmark the combined performance of networked applications and the ICA client type in a specific network environment to assess the real impact of latency/packet loss on performance.
During testing, engineers at Tolly Research examined the performance of all three Windows client types offered by Citrix: a native 32-bit client, a Java client and an ActiveX client. During a test of the different client types, Tolly Research found that the Win32 client offered the best bandwidth utilization, while the Java client suffered the greatest degradation during adverse net conditions. The clients were evaluated as they transferred data related to office-type applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook.
In other tests, researchers discovered a tremendous impact of network latency on file transfers that run across ICA sessions. For example, backbone delays of 200 ms (roundtrip) slowed a 1M-byte file transfer from less than 10 seconds to more than five minutes over a T-1 connection using the ICA ActiveX client. The Win32 client completed all file transfers more than twice as quickly as the ActiveX client.
"There is a tendency to adopt a 'one-size-fits-all' mentality when it comes to thin-client nets," says Kevin Flood, chief technical officer of Tolly Research, which publishes the ITclarity testing reports. "These tests prove that we need to mix and match delivery protocols, such as FTP, for file transfers rather than solely rely upon ICA."
The above information is derived from an ITclarity research track report. To purchase a subscription to Tolly Research's ITclarity service, click here.
ITclarity, 06/26/00
In our latest testing, Citrix Systems's ICA thin-client networking protocol delivered applications to ICA clients unimpeded, despite adverse packet loss and network latency conditions.
More report summaries from Tolly Research:
The tests demonstrate that Citrix's MetaFrame 1.8 application server software is capable of delivering acceptable application performance even during periods of sub-optimal network conditions. MetaFrame software makes it possible to establish sessions between remote "thin" clients and back-end servers.
About Tolly Research
Tolly Research, provider of ITclarity, is a technology research firm based
in Brielle, N.J., that specializes in testing-based research. Tolly Research
provides accurate test results, insightful analysis, and practical
recommendations for leading-edge technologies required by network
professionals. While many businesses have specific implementation issues,
there is a broad base of technology research that is applicable to all
organizations. Tolly Research offers a more cost-effective method of
gathering data than committing internal resources to tackle each new
technology. For more information on Tolly Research, point your browser to
www.tollyresearch.com, send e-mail to
itclarity@tollyresearch.com or call
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