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Implementing NetScaler VPX??? - Second Edition
Implementing NetScaler VPX??? - Second Edition

Implementing NetScaler VPX??? - Second Edition: Implement the new features of Citrix NetScaler 11 to optimize and deploy secure web services on multiple virtualization platforms

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Profile Icon Marius Sandbu
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Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4 (3 Ratings)
Paperback Oct 2015 202 pages 1st Edition
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Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Marius Sandbu
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Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4 (3 Ratings)
Paperback Oct 2015 202 pages 1st Edition
eBook
zł59.99 zł141.99
Paperback
zł177.99
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zł59.99 zł141.99
Paperback
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Implementing NetScaler VPX??? - Second Edition

Chapter 2. NetScaler Gateway™

NetScaler Gateway is one of the most commonly used features of NetScaler. In earlier versions, Citrix had products such as Secure Gateway or Access Gateway, but with the 10.1 release of NetScaler, it was renamed NetScaler Gateway. In the version 11 release, Citrix also introduced a new feature called Unified Gateway, which also builds upon the NetScaler Gateway feature. NetScaler Gateway does the same task that it did before; it grants users remote access through a gateway to the corporate network. It has multiple features and ways in which it can give end users access to the corporate network, which we will cover throughout this chapter. So here is a quick overview of what we will be covering in this chapter:

  • Basics of NetScaler Gateway
  • Different connection methods and settings
  • Sample setup scenarios
  • Integrating with XenDesktop/XenApp
  • Configuring StoreFront
  • Unified Gateway

Understanding the features of NetScaler Gateway

NetScaler Gateway has a set of features as follows, which can be used to grant end users remote access:

  • ICA Proxy: This feature allows the gateway to proxy ICA traffic from the backend XenApp or XenDesktop solution to the user through the TCP 443 port.
  • SSL VPN: This is a browser-based virtual private network (VPN) solution, which is also known as clientless access.
  • VPN: This is a VPN feature that gives users access to the corporate network using the NetScaler Gateway plugin.
  • Endpoint analysis: This is a network access control feature that scans clients to find out if they fulfill corporate security policy before they are allowed to connect to the network.
  • SmartAccess: SmartAccess allows us to control access to applications and desktops on a server by using NetScaler session policies. You can read more about SmartAccess at http://support.citrix.com/proddocs/topic/access-gateway-92/agee-smartaccess-how-it-works-c.html.
  • MDX: This is basically an application...

Deploying ICA Proxy

To deploy the ICA Proxy, we first need to enable the NetScaler Gateway feature. This can be done either in the GUI by navigating to System | Settings | Configure Basic Features and choosing NetScaler Gateway or by using the following CLI command:

enable ns feature SSLVPN

Note

Starting with build 10.5, Citrix also introduced a quick wizard setup to integrate with XenApp and XenDesktop. This wizard is located further down on the left side under Configuration in the Management Interface, which will follow the same steps as we do throughout this chapter.

Then, we go into the NetScaler Gateway feature of the GUI. Here, we choose Virtual Servers, then right-click and choose Add Server. This will open a menu that allows us to create a virtual server that the clients are going to access.

Multiple configuration items are required in order to create a fully functional virtual server (vServer). Remember that first we need to configure the default settings, such as NSIP, SNIP, and a...

Deploying VPN

In some cases, users may need to deploy a full VPN solution as it allows a client to become a part of the internal network using the NetScaler Gateway plugin. With the use of the NetScaler Gateway plugin, we also have Endpoint analysis that allows us to scan a client for specific processes, or check if the client has antivirus active and configured. In version 10.5, Citrix added OPSWAT support. OPSWAT is a library that allows us to perform granular scans of an endpoint before it is allowed access.

Configuring the use of regular VPN with NetScaler Gateway is not much different from ICA Proxy. We need the following:

  • A NetScaler Gateway vServer with a name, a port, and an IP address
  • A vServer set to non ICA-mode
  • A trusted certificate
  • An authentication policy
  • A session policy

The only difference here is that we need to set the vServer to non ICA-mode and we need to change the session policy.

We can also add a pre-authentication policy to allow NetScaler to check client-side security before...

Deploying clientless access

Clientless access is a basic browser-based VPN solution, where users are presented with a homepage when they log in and from there they can access file shares, web applications, and other settings depending on what is defined in the session policy.

In order to allow clientless access, we need to define some settings in the Session Policy section of the Client Experience pane. The settings are as follows:

  • URL for Web-Based Email: This is used for logging into web-based e-mail solutions, such as Exchange OWA. This will appear as a pane within the clientless access session policy window.
  • Session Time-out (mins): This defines how long NetScaler waits before it disconnects the session when there is no network traffic.
  • Clientless Access: This defines if the SSL-based VPN should be enabled or disabled.
  • Clientless Access URL Encoding: This defines whether the URL of internal web applications are obscured or are in clear text and visible to the users.
  • Clientless Access Persistent...

Binding the features together

We have three different features that we have gone through, and each of them gives us some functionality, for example, whether we want all the different features to be available to the user at the same time and give the users the option to choose between different features.

Note

An important point to note is that using all these features on the same vServer requires universal licenses for all the users connecting to it. So, in some cases, it may be more beneficial to create two vServers, where you have one for VPN services and one for ICA Proxy.

If we want to have a single web portal where we want to give the users the ability to choose the kind of resource they need, we need to make a change to the default session policy that they use. Under Session Policy, go to the request profile that is bound to it and then click on the Client Experience pane. Here, click on the Advanced button. In the menu, we have an option called Client Choices. By enabling this, the users...

Understanding the features of NetScaler Gateway


NetScaler Gateway has a set of features as follows, which can be used to grant end users remote access:

  • ICA Proxy: This feature allows the gateway to proxy ICA traffic from the backend XenApp or XenDesktop solution to the user through the TCP 443 port.

  • SSL VPN: This is a browser-based virtual private network (VPN) solution, which is also known as clientless access.

  • VPN: This is a VPN feature that gives users access to the corporate network using the NetScaler Gateway plugin.

  • Endpoint analysis: This is a network access control feature that scans clients to find out if they fulfill corporate security policy before they are allowed to connect to the network.

  • SmartAccess: SmartAccess allows us to control access to applications and desktops on a server by using NetScaler session policies. You can read more about SmartAccess at http://support.citrix.com/proddocs/topic/access-gateway-92/agee-smartaccess-how-it-works-c.html.

  • MDX: This is basically...

Deploying ICA Proxy


To deploy the ICA Proxy, we first need to enable the NetScaler Gateway feature. This can be done either in the GUI by navigating to System | Settings | Configure Basic Features and choosing NetScaler Gateway or by using the following CLI command:

enable ns feature SSLVPN

Note

Starting with build 10.5, Citrix also introduced a quick wizard setup to integrate with XenApp and XenDesktop. This wizard is located further down on the left side under Configuration in the Management Interface, which will follow the same steps as we do throughout this chapter.

Then, we go into the NetScaler Gateway feature of the GUI. Here, we choose Virtual Servers, then right-click and choose Add Server. This will open a menu that allows us to create a virtual server that the clients are going to access.

Multiple configuration items are required in order to create a fully functional virtual server (vServer). Remember that first we need to configure the default settings, such as NSIP, SNIP, and a...

Deploying VPN


In some cases, users may need to deploy a full VPN solution as it allows a client to become a part of the internal network using the NetScaler Gateway plugin. With the use of the NetScaler Gateway plugin, we also have Endpoint analysis that allows us to scan a client for specific processes, or check if the client has antivirus active and configured. In version 10.5, Citrix added OPSWAT support. OPSWAT is a library that allows us to perform granular scans of an endpoint before it is allowed access.

Configuring the use of regular VPN with NetScaler Gateway is not much different from ICA Proxy. We need the following:

  • A NetScaler Gateway vServer with a name, a port, and an IP address

  • A vServer set to non ICA-mode

  • A trusted certificate

  • An authentication policy

  • A session policy

The only difference here is that we need to set the vServer to non ICA-mode and we need to change the session policy.

We can also add a pre-authentication policy to allow NetScaler to check client-side security before...

Deploying clientless access


Clientless access is a basic browser-based VPN solution, where users are presented with a homepage when they log in and from there they can access file shares, web applications, and other settings depending on what is defined in the session policy.

In order to allow clientless access, we need to define some settings in the Session Policy section of the Client Experience pane. The settings are as follows:

  • URL for Web-Based Email: This is used for logging into web-based e-mail solutions, such as Exchange OWA. This will appear as a pane within the clientless access session policy window.

  • Session Time-out (mins): This defines how long NetScaler waits before it disconnects the session when there is no network traffic.

  • Clientless Access: This defines if the SSL-based VPN should be enabled or disabled.

  • Clientless Access URL Encoding: This defines whether the URL of internal web applications are obscured or are in clear text and visible to the users.

  • Clientless Access...

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Key benefits

  • Learn how to design, set up, and deploy NetScaler VPX along with the new Jumbo frames in a virtual environment using your GUI as well as your CLI for both public and private clouds to make all your web applications faster and more secure
  • Enrich your networking skills utilizing the new features of AAA by following the instructions to optimize network traffic
  • A step-by-step guide that will show you how to work with the latest NetScaler, 11, by implementing its new features using sample scenarios and real-world examples

Description

With a large demand for responsive websites and availability of services, IT administrators are faced with an ever-rising need for services that are optimized for speed. NetScaler VPX is a software-based virtual appliance that provides users with the comprehensive NetScaler feature set. Implementing apps and cloud-based services is much easier with its increased service performance and integrated security features. This book will give you an insight into all the new features that NetScaler VPX™ has to offer. Starting off with the basics, you will learn how to set NetScaler up and configure it in a virtual environment including the new features available in version 11, such as unified gateway and portal theme customization. Next, the book will cover how to deploy NetScalar on Azure and Amazon, and you will also discover how to integrate it with an existing Citrix infrastructure. Next, you will venture into other topics such as load balancing Microsoft and Citrix solutions, configuring different forms of high availability Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB), and network optimization. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and analyze data using NetScaler's extensive array of features. Finally, you will discover how to protect web services using an application firewall and will get to grips with other features such as HTTP, DOS, and AAA.

Who is this book for?

This book is for Citrix administrators who are just getting started with NetScaler, have some basic networking skills This book does not require prior experience of NetScaler.

What you will learn

  • Configure different VPN solutions and learn about ICA Proxy, Unified Gateway and SSL VPN
  • Set up load balancing for SharePoint, Exchange, Lync, SQL and other Citrix components
  • Gain insights into traffic management with NetScaler, Wireshark, and Citrix Insight
  • Protect your web services with an application firewall, HTTP, DOS, and AAA
  • Optimize traffic using front-end optimization, caching, and compression
  • Deploy a high availability environment
  • Use NetScaler in public cloud providers such as Azure or Amazon
  • Advance your network knowledge of TCP and SSL optimization

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Oct 23, 2015
Length: 202 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785288982
Vendor :
Citrix

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Product Details

Publication date : Oct 23, 2015
Length: 202 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785288982
Vendor :
Citrix

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Table of Contents

9 Chapters
1. NetScaler VPX™ 11 – Basics and Setup Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. NetScaler Gateway™ Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Load Balancing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Mobilestream Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Optimizing NetScaler Traffic Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. High Availability Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Security and Troubleshooting Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. AAA Application Traffic Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
(3 Ratings)
5 star 33.3%
4 star 33.3%
3 star 33.3%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Rkc Jul 04, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Very useful and simple contents.explained very well.worth to buy.every topic in this book explained very well,giving 5 star to Amazon delivery and Also to author of this book
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Amazon Customer Dec 03, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
I have had the pleasure to be engaged by Packet Publishing to review this book during the process of writing.I am a consultant, instructor and speaker with Citrix technologies as my expertise.This book is an excellent read for understanding and implementing Netscaler VPX in your environment.The book is straight to the point without be too complex for a reader who is new to the subject. Some more experienced readers might feel that they wished some more features would be covered, but I believe that this is a great starting point Marius Sandbu has chosen and picked the right set of feauters out of the wide range that Netscaler has.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Steve J Walters Nov 21, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
Not a detail as I though
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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