This article describes how to deploy, configure, and confirm functionality of Server-Side Content Fetching (SSCF) in HDX MediaStream for Flash.
Requirements
Server Side: Adobe Flash Player 10 or later Internet Explorer 7 or later HDX Capable Virtual Desktop Agent 4 or later, or XenApp Server (HDX MediaStream for Flash 1.1.0+)
Client Side: Adobe Flash Player 10 or later Internet Explorer 7 or later Online Plug-in 11.2.2 or later
Background
HDX MediaStream for Flash provides the ability to fetch and render Flash content on the endpoint, thereby reducing server load, and optimizing the end-user experience. There are some cases when the default client-side content fetching is not desirable, or functional. For example, the content might be referenced by the Flash Player using a network address that is internal to an organization (for example: http://mycorporation/video.swf).
Such a URL can only be resolved on the server, and server-side content fetching must be used. Perhaps the most common use case requiring HDX MediaStream for Flash server-side content fetching is an organization that restricts the network connectivity of their ICA client devices so that they can communicate only with their XenApp or XenDesktop servers. Such an organization would configure HDX MediaStream for Flash to use server-side content fetching for all Web sites.
Server-side content fetching is the exception and can be configured on a per-URL basis using a server-side configuration setting. In addition, server-side content fetching must be enabled on the client.
Procedure
Server-Side Configuration
On a compatible XenApp Server, or XenDesktop Virtual Desktop Agent, add sites to the Server-side content fetching list. Consider the following when configuring the Server-side content fetching list setting:
- Add the URL of the Flash application; not the top-level .html page that instantiates the Flash Player to the list.
- Use an asterisk character at the beginning or end of the URL as a wildcard to expand your list.
- Use a trailing wildcard to allow all child URLs (for example http://www.sitetoallow.com/*).
- The prefixes http:// or https:// are used when present, but they are not required.
Important: The Enable server-side content fetching setting on the user device must also be enabled for the Server-side content fetching list on the server to work.
- In the Group Policy Object Editor, expand either the Computer Configuration or User Configuration node.
- Expand the Administrative Templates and Classic Administrative Templates (ADM) nodes and select HDX MediaStream for Flash – Server.
- Select the Server-side content fetching list and the Action menu and click Edit.
- Select Enabled and click Show.
- Type the URL of the Web sites to be allowed to play on the user device.
Client-Side Configuration
On a compatible client, enable Server-side content fetching using the HDX ADM template included with your XenApp or XenDesktop installation. The following steps should be taken to enable SSCF on the client:
- In the Group Policy Object Editor, expand either the Computer Configuration or User Configuration node.
- Expand the Administrative Templates and Classic Administrative Templates (ADM) nodes and select HDX MediaStream for Flash – Client.
- From the Setting list, select Enable server-side content fetching and open the Properties.
- Select Not Configured, Enabled, or Disabled.
- For the policy to take effect: Computer Configuration: Changes take effect as computers in the organizational unit restart. User Configuration: Users in the organizational unit must log off and then log on to the network.
More Information
To confirm that SSCF is being used, you must first check that the content is being rendered by verifying that PseudoContainer.exe is running on the client. If content is being rendered by the client, verify that the client is not fetching the content directly by watching HTTP traffic (using Fiddler or similar trace tool).
If SSCF is working, there should not be any direct HTTP traffic from the client, only from the server or Virtual Desktop Agent.
If you see traffic from the client to the content, and PseudoContainer.exe is running, check your server-side content fetching list syntax, and test with a single * entry to enable SSCF for all content.
If PseudoContainer.exe is not running on the client, use the HDX Experience Monitor for XenApp to confirm that HDX Flash prerequisites have been met.
If your server is XenApp 5 on Windows 2003, you must install this update for HDX MediaStream for Flash.
Read the original article here on the Citrix knowledgebase.