Introduction

Citrix MetaFrame clients can run virtually any type of operating system. It s not that Citrix developed every type of client for each operating system. Although they did develop several clients, Citrix also developed a client for Web browsers. With this client, applications can be provided over the Internet.

Not only are standard workstations supported, but so are specially manufactured ICA terminals. These terminals are the original Net PCs. The idea is to deploy applications remotely (and not be required to support an operating system remotely) and maintain all data on a server located somewhere across the Internet. Regardless of the method of connection, application servers like Citrix MetaFrame can greatly reduce administrative overhead and support costs.

Selecting a Protocol

When first considering a Citrix MetaFrame solution, the first question many clients ask is How do I connect to a MetaFrame server?

There are two main presentation service protocols available for connecting to a Citrix MetaFrame server: Remote Data Protocol (RDP) and Independent Computing Architecture (ICA). RDP works only over TCP/IP. ICA provides for connectivity using a variety of transport protocols including the following:

• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
• Sequenced Packet Exchange (SPX)
• Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX)
• NetBIOS Extended User Interface (NetBEUI)
• Direct Asynchronous