!IcaClient Readme/Txt file

Simple Load Balancing for sites with Multiple Terminal Servers
==============================================================

Where more than one Terminal Server is installed, it is desirable to spread the
load over all the available servers.   One way to do this is to buy Citrix's Load Balancing
Software.   However, this can prove expensive.   Topcat provides an alternative simpler
approach, avoiding the need for expensive add-on licences.

The scheme presented here will accommodate up to 16 servers - more than enough for all but
the largest installations! :-)

In order to spread the load over a number of servers, Topcat uses the IP address
to determine which server to use.   

Step 1  Each server is allocated its own set of configuration files - to be
        located in folders named: ini0, ini1, ini2 etc in the Apps.!IcaClient
        directory.   By default, there is one "ini" folder here - copy the whole folder
        to another folder named "ini0", and amend the Appsrv file here to use the first
        server. eg:

[ApplicationServers]
WINDOWS=

[WINDOWS]
TransportDriver=TCP/IP
Address=Tserver1
WinStationDriver=ICA 3.0
DesiredHRes=800
DesiredVRes=600
DesiredColor=0x0002
InitialProgram=
WorkDirectory=

where Tserver1 is the name of the first Terminal Server.

Step 2 Create additional "ini" folders, named ini1, ini2 etc for as many servers as
       there are installed (up to ini15 maximum) in the same way, but using the 
       appropriate name in the Address= line eg:
.
.
Address=Tserver2
.
.

etc

Note, in this way the user will not see each server's name, but simply the WINDOWS name.
You are at liberty to call this what you like, but make sure it is the same in all
ini(n).Appsrv files (2 places in each file).   Also, set the resolution and colours as
desired.    You may also add additional entries for users to use in case their normal
server is unavailable for some reason.   For example in a 2-server farm, the "other"
server can be a second entry in each file, giving the user a back-up choice.

Step 3 Place the following in the TCConfig:Local.Settings file, to set the number of
       servers to use:

Set ICA$Servers 2

       change the "2" to the appropriate value.
       
Step 4 On next re-boot of the client machines, the new settings will take effect.
       Users launch the !Icaclient and connect to their server by using the Menu
       (middle) button whilst pointing to the Icon Bar icon, then choosing "Connect"
       and then "WINDOWS".    Which server they connect to will depend on their
       IP Address.  (NB the NTServer file in Server.Network.Metaframe should
       be removed to prevent this being used.)
       
(Technical Note:  The least significant digit of the IP address is used to determine
which server is chosen.   This digit (in hex) is divided by the number of servers and 
the remainder from this calculation is used to determine which ini folder is used.   
So for example, an IP address of 1.0.128.12 will have a last digit of "C".  
This gives a remainder of zero (0).   Thus for a two-server farm, the chosen server 
for this machine will be the one defined in the AppSrv file in "ini0".)

(c) 2000 Microlynx Software Enginerring Ltd