Setting up WMS and DisplayLink
Introduction
This guide summarises the steps needed to plan and configure a Windows Multipoint Server installation using DisplayLink zero client devices. It covers the recommended server specification, and the DisplayLink hardware and software.
This guide does not cover Windows Multipoint server benefits or setup. If you want more information on Windows Multipoint Server (WMS) and how it can help your organisation, please see the Microsoft website.
This guide should be read in conjunction with the Microsoft Planning Guide and Deployment Guide for Windows Multipoint Server.
Choosing the server specification
The specification for the server will depend on the number of clients you intend to connect. The table below shows the suggested spec for various client numbers.
| Application scenario | Up to 4 stations | 5-6 stations | 7-10 stations | 11 to 14 stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Productivity Office, Web browsing, line-of business applications |
CPU: 2.0Gig, 2 cores RAM: 4GB |
CPU: 2.2Gig, 4 cores RAM: 6GB |
CPU: 2.4Gig, 4 cores RAM: 6GB |
CPU: 2.4Gig, 4 cores RAM: 6GB |
Mixed Productivity plus: Occasional video use by some users |
CPU: 2.2Gig, 2 cores RAM: 4GB |
CPU: 2.4Gig, 4 cores RAM: 6GB |
CPU: 2.8Gig, 4 cores with Multithreading or 6 cores RAM: 8GB |
CPU: 2.8Gig, 4 cores with Multithreading or 6 cores RAM: 8GB |
DisplayLink interacts closely with the graphics card, and choosing the right graphics card can increase the performance. When choosing a graphics card, always try and choose a recent, high end graphics card. DisplayLink recommends the following graphics cards for the WMS server:
| Up to 4 stations | 5-6 stations | 7-10 stations | 11 to 14 stations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Intel™ HD Graphics 3000 Integrated Intel™ HD Graphics 2000 AMD Radeon™ HD 6xxx |
Integrated Intel™ HD Graphics 3000 Integrated Intel™ HD Graphics 2000 AMD Radeon™ HD 6xxx |
Integrated Intel™ HD Graphics 2000 AMD Radeon™ HD 6xxx |
Integrated Intel™ HD Graphics 2000 AMD Radeon™ HD 6xxx |
Note: WMS must be installed on the PC hardware. DisplayLink will not function with WMS, if WMS is running in a virtual machine.
Choosing the DisplayLink hardware
A selection of zero client hardware with DisplayLink can be found in the DisplayLink shop.
A DisplayLink Zero client connects to the server using USB. The maximum length of a USB 2.0 cable is 5 meters, however USB powered hubs can be used to extend the distance between the server and the clients. It also allows more clients to be connected to the server.
Today, DisplayLink supports up to 14 clients connected to a server PC. There are a number of different vendors that make products that will work as a zero client.
Every USB zero client supports keyboard, mouse and a Monitor. Most USB zero clients also support Audio out (for speakers) and Audio in (for a microphone). Some zero clients have additional USB ports, allowing the user to connect additional devices, for example a USB Flash drive.
Installing Windows Multipoint Server
Once you have your server and client hardware, you will need to obtain a copy of Windows Multipoint Server. Licensing options for Windows Multipoint Server can be found on the Microsoft Website.
Installing the DisplayLink software
Once Windows Multipoint server is installed, you will need to install the DisplayLink software for the zero clients. This software should be installed in "Maintenance Mode". The latest DisplayLink software for Windows Multipoint Server can be downloaded here.
Support for WMS 2012
WMS 2012 is not currently supported by DisplayLink software, however 3rd party development has been done to support this. This is available from osbase.com. Please visit this website to download the latest driver for WMS 2012 from osbase.
Checking software application compatibility
A list of community verified application compatibility on Windows Multipoint Server can be found here.