Configuration of CtxCapPlanTest

When planning the capacity of the Citrix XenApp server, administrators often need to ascertain how many user sessions are running on the server, assess how the users are using the CPU and memory resources allocated to them, and determine whether sufficient resources are free in the server to support future operations. The findings from such an analysis will provide pointers to how the server capacity can be enhanced - can the server accommodate more users without requiring additional resources? or should the server be resized before allowing users to establish more sessions?

The CtxCapPlanTest test helps administrators to do this analysis and makes prudent sizing recommendations with the help of which administrators can take accurate capacity decisions. On the basis of the historical CPU and memory usage by during the user sessions, the report reveals deficits in server sizing (if any). Also, on the basis of the free CPU and memory resources (if any) in the server, the test automatically computes how many more user sessions the server can handle. In the process, the test turns the spotlight on that resource (CPU or memory) which serves as a serious constraint to expanding the capacity of the server.

The default parameters associated with this test are:

• The TEST PERIOD list box helps the user to decide how often this test needs to be executed. By default, this is 5 minutes.

• In the HOST text box, specify the host for which this test is to be configured.

• In the PORT text box, specify the port at which the specified HOST listens. By default, it is 1494.

• If multiple components of the same component type are awaiting configuration, then an APPLY TO OTHER COMPONENTS check box will appear in this page. Clicking on this check box will allow you to apply the configuration to all/selected components of that type.

• Once the necessary values have been provided, clicking on the UPDATE button will register the changes made.

When changing the configuration for specific servers, a “*” beside the text box corresponding to the parameter signifies that these values have to be manually configured by the user. The parameter values that require to be configured will typically be prefixed with a “$” or contain a series of “*”. A value of “none” in the parameter value indicates that the corresponding parameter value can be changed if required.