DXZ4 security edition zero client
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4.3
Benefits of PCoIP zero clients
Because zero clients just decode pixels to display images, they
can be far simpler and more secure than a traditional desktop PC
and other thin client solutions. They offer:
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4.3.1 Increased security
As PCoIP zero clients have a stateless architecture and no local
data storage, they are the most secure endpoint available.
Pixel transfers to the zero client are encrypted with advanced
security algorithms. Zero clients are also immune to viruses
and never need anti-virus updates. Finally, zero clients comply
with the most stringent government and security mandates. In
particular, they support robust USB hardware security author
-
ization, including user authentication and single sign-on (SSO)
based on smart cards, proximity cards and other SSO devices.
4.3.2
Low maintenance
Zero clients are extremely easy to manage and do not require
regular updates or patches.
They have no application operating system, no general purpose
CPU or RAM, no graphics processor. And they have no fan or
hard disk to fail.
Because they perform only pure image decompression, they are
future proof. A zero client never needs a new operating system
or updates for drivers, media codecs, or anti-virus signatures.
Also, a zero client does not need to know about the applications
being used (it just has to decode the pixels to display the image),
so there are no version dependencies between the zero client
and the host PC. There is no risk that future versions of an
application will render the zero client obsolete.
4.3.3 Cost savings
Zero clients have significantly lower costs than traditional PCs
and thin clients. They use less power, generate less heat, and
often have a smaller footprint.
Also, because they are simple devices, zero clients require
minimal administration and have very low management costs.
And because they are future proof, their extended life span is
assured and they rarely need replacing.
For more general information about PCoIP zero clients, visit
4.1.2
Multi-codec display processing
A PC display includes different types of image elements (text,
graphics, icons, video). Using the same codec to encode all these
elements would use excessive network bandwidth. Instead,
PCoIP continuously analyses and decomposes image elements,
using the right codec for each pixel.
PCoIP’s intelligent image decomposition and encoding results in
efficient transmission and decoding. This saves bandwidth while
delivering the best user experience. In addition, PCoIP builds
every pixel to a lossless state when they stop changing, ensuring
a pixel-perfect image on the zero client regardless of network
limitations.
4.1.3
Dynamically adapts to network conditions
The PCoIP protocol lets you easily set image quality settings to
manage bandwidth use and delivers the best possible
performance for the network conditions.
On congested networks, PCoIP adaptive encoders automatically
adjust image quality within the limits you set. When the network
is no longer congested, they automatically resume maximum
image quality.
4.2
About PCoIP zero clients
PCoIP zero clients are secure, hardware-based endpoints that
allow users to connect to a remote host PC or virtual desktop
over a local or wide area IP network. They support multiple
wide-screen formats, HD audio, and local USB peripherals,
providing a rich multimedia experience for users.
4.2.1
Functionality
Zero clients can take many form factors, such as PCoIP integrated
displays, rack-mounted cards and touch-screen monitors. Amulet
Hotkey DXZ4 security edition zero clients are small, cased
devices for your desktop.
Users can interact with their desktops from any type of zero
client and can even continue the same session if they move
between zero client devices.
4.2.2 Data handling
PCoIP zero clients use a highly integrated Tera-series processor
to perform image decompression and decoding. At the desktop,
they decrypt, decompress and distribute video, audio and USB
data to the standard desktop peripherals, such as monitors,
keyboard, mouse, and speakers or headset. A zero client also
passes user-generated USB and audio data back to a remote
PCoIP host (see
).
To ensure desktop responsiveness, the process of image com-
pression-encryption-transmission by the PCoIP host and then
decryption-decompression by the zero client happens very
quickly, typically in just one frame (or less than 15 msecs).