Session based Remote Desktop Services (RDS 2019) User profile Disk

Question

Hi

I have created a highly available session-based RDS solution using Windows server 2019, each RDS component has two servers spread across two DC’s for Disaster recovery scenarios..

I recently realised "the bitter truth" that RDS is unsupported on NetApp Server Message Block (SMB) shares. This is because RDS uses unsupported SMB3 function calls into the NetApp Cluster during the user profile deployment process to verify permissions. The NetApp Cluster cannot complete these requests; thus, the remote procedure call (RPC) server reports an unavailable error message.

I have now come up with two ideas for a highly available UPD solution!

I will build two Windows servers 2019 VM across two DCs

Either deploy a “two-node Storage Spaces Direct scale-out file server” for UPD storage

Or “Deploying a two-node Storage Replica”? Could you please advise the best available option? Pros and Cons?

I know Storage Spaces Direct requires Windows 2019 Data centre license and has some issues with Veeam backup.

Regards,

Dav,

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks for reaching our forum. Yes, you could achieve User profile Disk high availability by storing them in Azure with Storage Spaces Direct.

Per below link, it is recommended that:

• For small deployments, a 2-node cluster with a cloud witness, where the volume is mirrored with 2 copies.
• Grow small deployments by adding data disks.
• Grow larger deployments by adding nodes (VMs).

Please go and check the detailed steps and requirements for deploying a two-node Storage Spaces Direct scale-out file server for UPD storage.

Some reference links:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-storage-spaces-direct-deployment

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-plan-secure-data-storage

https://www.tech-coffee.net/rds-2016-farm-configure-file-servers-for-user-profile-disks/

Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.
 

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Thanks,
Jenny

Answer 2

Thank you for your reply, what if I don't use Azure in my environment? What if I want to use the same scenario using my on-premises environment, please?

Regards,

Dav,

Answer 3

Hi,

Normally, to achieve UPD high availability is to place UPD files on a clustered file resource. I did not find exact guidance on setup details as I am not familer with either storage or cluster.

But following links have instructed some information between UPD and file server:
Working with User Profile Disks and Best Practices
https://workspot.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/214741786-Working-with-User-Profile-Disks-and-Best-Practices
Scale-Out File Server for Application Data Overview
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/hh831349(v=ws.11)

If more details needed, you may separate a different thread on question of clustered file resource.

Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.
 

----------

If the Answer is helpful, please click Accept Answer and upvote it.

Thanks,
Jenny