Autocad on Remote desktop?

[Anonymous]

Hello!

Any input on this matter would be apprechiated!

Me and my colleagues is developing a remote desktop solution for our customers (Autocad-users).

This isn't like any other remote desktop connection. Together with Dell EMC and their VDI- server hosts we get extreme performance custom made for the ACAD experience.

So our question is, how is it to work with AutoCad through a remote desktop connection?

The Datacenter where the server/hosts are located uses gigabit ethernet-connection. We've tried running the same remote desktop in other applications without any problems or lag, but would it be different with a huge ACAD-project?

We are looking at this from every perspective and would love some feedback.

The fileserver for the autocad files/central files will be located at the same place as the hosts and would that simplify the use from a local Autocad-file to the central autocad-files? (If you're working with the same file as a team and need to sync the work to the central file)

From the "computer"-perspective. Wouldn't this save a lot of money? Not having to buy the most expensive kind of hardware. It would be enough with a smaller 13-inch ultrabook, being portable and then just connect to the ethernet to be able to with in ACAD?

Thank you in advance!

[S.Faris]

First thing that came to my mind was lag in taking keyboard shortcuts and mouse inputs in 0.000% error , that can occur with the ping delay.  And I believe this will handle it(Dell EMC and their VDI- server hosts) as mentioned by you. Sorry I'm not that good with IT Terms :). Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the answer!

Alright, lets just say that Dell has developed these servers optimal for the AutoCad usage so it isn't like any other remote desktop connection.

How important is it for the inputlag not to exist? I haven't really noted any lag when trying this myself. Maybe a couple of milliseconds delay, but I'm not a AC-user so I can't really decide. Thanks!

[S.Faris]

the feel of Having an input lag = Working on a low end PC

I would recommend to reduce the command input delay to the Very minimum possible. Again sorry I'm not smart enough to give you a millisecond value of what it should be.

[Jonathan3891]

In the past I use to do this quite a bit using team viewer. It got the job done but there was some lag like @S.Faris said. It would get frustrating at times due to it not keeping up. 

[pendean]

Read this, one of dozens of posts that address your concerns and issues https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/vpn-and-working-remotely-questions/m-p/6336142#M125222

Also read your AutoCAD licensing carefully, you might be walking into a mine field with "...with a smaller 13-inch ultrabook, being portable and then just connect to the ethernet to be able to with in ACAD..." since Autodesk is most likely also exploring similar options if you notice their many cloud announcements and "AutoCAD for iPads" comments etc.

[S.Faris]

Something came to my mind just now  FILE RECOVERY

• What are the options provided for the file recovery in case of a crash or accidental error?. I believe the user wont be provided permission to folders like "%TEMP%". 
• And Xrefs are also a concern of mine. Will the paths for the xrefs still be working once the user saves the file locally? or will it be referring to a cloud destination too?

[dgorsman]

• Ever used Autocad on a 13" screen? 
• Many users are not using just vanilla Autocad, but with extensions/plug ins
• Autocad is rarely run on its own, other programs at the same time 
• Other programs may have requirements e.g. GPS which don't work with this configuration

It *sounds* great from a generic standpoint but usually falls short when specialized software is in use.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input!

Ok, the 13" laptop may not be a option. A cheaper 15" with a good display then?

I'm not really experienced supporting a VPN-remote connection for ACad. In my history we've had local Acad-installations in a very good workstation (laptop) PC. With that the users had two options får VPN, one faster with fewer licenses and one slower with more licenses. This wasn't working perfect.

Every user had to borrow a Acad-license from the license-server at the office for being able to work from home.