Wired Virtual Desktop: Fix Common Connection Issues

For professionals and organizations leveraging virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions like Citrix, a stable network connection is critical; wired Ethernet connections generally offer more reliability than wireless. One common challenge IT departments face is troubleshooting connectivity problems when end users use virtual desktop wired, where consistent performance is expected. Addressing these issues often involves examining network configurations, such as ensuring proper firewall settings that allow the necessary traffic to flow between the user’s device and the virtual desktop hosted on platforms like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has become an indispensable component of the modern IT landscape. Its significance has grown in direct correlation with the rise of remote work, distributed teams, and the increasing need for centralized computing resources. Businesses are becoming reliant on VDI.

This reliance allows for secure access to applications and data from virtually anywhere. VDI offers enhanced management, security, and scalability that traditional desktop environments struggle to match. But VDI environments are not without their challenges.

This article hones in on a critical aspect of VDI deployment: troubleshooting connection problems within wired environments. While wireless connectivity is ubiquitous, wired networks remain the backbone for stable, high-performance VDI access, particularly in office settings. Understanding and resolving wired connection issues is, therefore, paramount to ensuring a smooth user experience.

The Scope: Wired Connections in Focus

We aim to provide a practical guide to identifying and resolving the most common wired VDI connection issues. This is a comprehensive exploration of network configuration problems, authentication failures, performance bottlenecks, and other obstacles that can hinder VDI access over Ethernet networks.

The scope will be firmly anchored within the realm of wired network infrastructure. We will explore the nuances of network configurations, cabling considerations, and hardware limitations that are unique to wired VDI deployments. This focus allows us to provide actionable insights that are immediately applicable to real-world troubleshooting scenarios.

Key Players in the VDI Ecosystem

Successfully troubleshooting VDI issues requires a collaborative effort from various IT roles:

• IT Administrators are responsible for managing the overall VDI environment. They often need to diagnose underlying system issues, manage access rights and user permissions, and ensure optimal performance across the board.

• Network Engineers are responsible for maintaining the underlying wired network infrastructure. They ensure that network configurations are properly implemented, manage bandwidth allocation, and diagnose connectivity problems within the LAN.

• Help Desk Technicians serve as the first line of support for end-users. They need the technical skills to quickly diagnose and resolve simple connection issues. They need to escalate complex problems to more specialized teams.

• VDI Architects are involved in the design and implementation of the VDI environment. They oversee the technical design of the VDI infrastructure, including optimizing it for the existing network, and ensuring that performance requirements are met.

• End-users play a crucial role by reporting connection issues. Their feedback and observations can provide valuable clues for diagnosing problems and validating the effectiveness of implemented solutions.

Core Concepts and Entities

A solid grasp of core networking concepts is vital for effective VDI troubleshooting. Some key concepts that will be explored include:

• LAN (Local Area Network): The foundation of wired VDI connectivity.

• Ethernet: The dominant networking standard for wired connections.

• Network Latency: A measure of the delay in data transmission. High latency can significantly degrade VDI performance.

• Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection within a given time.

• RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), ICA/HDX (Independent Computing Architecture/High Definition Experience), and PCoIP (PC-over-IP): Protocols used for transmitting desktop and application data from the server to the client device.

Understanding how these protocols operate, and where they might be subject to network-related bottlenecks, is essential to this guide.

• DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names into IP addresses. Incorrect DNS configuration can prevent VDI clients from connecting to the VDI server.

Recognizing these elements allows IT professionals to streamline the troubleshooting process and ensure a seamless VDI experience for end-users.

Understanding Your Wired VDI Landscape

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has become an indispensable component of the modern IT landscape. Its significance has grown in direct correlation with the rise of remote work, distributed teams, and the increasing need for centralized computing resources. Businesses are becoming reliant on VDI. This reliance allows for secure access to applications and data from a variety of devices and locations. To effectively troubleshoot VDI connection problems, particularly in wired environments, it’s crucial to understand the underlying architecture and the vital role the Local Area Network (LAN) plays.

VDI Architecture: A High-Level Overview

At its core, VDI centralizes desktop operating systems and applications within a data center. Users access these virtual desktops remotely. Several key components work together to make this possible.

These include the hypervisor, which virtualizes the hardware resources. The connection broker manages user authentication and session assignment. The virtual machines (VMs) host the operating systems and applications. Finally, the client devices (thin clients, desktops, laptops) provide the user interface.

The entire system relies on efficient communication across the network, making the network infrastructure a critical element of the VDI experience.

The LAN’s Role in Connecting Users to Virtual Desktops

The Local Area Network (LAN) acts as the primary conduit for communication between client devices and the virtual desktops hosted in the data center. The LAN provides the essential network pathways that enable users to interact with their virtualized environments.

A well-designed LAN ensures low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity, which is critical for delivering a responsive and satisfactory VDI experience. Conversely, a poorly designed or congested LAN can lead to performance issues, frustrating end-users and reducing overall productivity.

The Unwavering Benefits of Wired Ethernet Connections

While wireless connectivity has its place, wired Ethernet connections offer superior stability and reliability for VDI, especially when dealing with demanding applications and high-resolution graphics. Wired connections minimize the risk of dropped packets, reduce latency, and provide consistent bandwidth, all of which are essential for a seamless VDI experience.

Furthermore, wired connections are less susceptible to interference and security vulnerabilities compared to wireless networks. This makes them the preferred choice for organizations that prioritize security and performance.

Location-Specific Considerations and Challenges

The location from which users connect to their virtual desktops can significantly impact the quality of the VDI experience. Here are a few:

Office Buildings

In office environments, the LAN is typically well-managed and optimized for business applications, including VDI. However, network congestion during peak hours can still occur, leading to performance degradation.

Home Offices

Home networks, on the other hand, often lack the robust infrastructure found in corporate offices. Limited bandwidth, shared internet connections, and outdated networking equipment can all contribute to poor VDI performance.

Server Rooms

The physical proximity of the server room to network infrastructure is critical. The location can affect cabling quality, power supply and overall network resilience.

Understanding these location-specific challenges is crucial for identifying and resolving VDI connection problems effectively.

Common Wired VDI Connection Culprits

Understanding Your Wired VDI Landscape
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has become an indispensable component of the modern IT landscape. Its significance has grown in direct correlation with the rise of remote work, distributed teams, and the increasing need for centralized computing resources. Businesses are becoming reliant on VDI. This reliance means any interruption to the service delivery can cause major headaches.

As businesses lean more on the stability and efficiency of VDI, it is crucial to address the common issues that can disrupt its functionality. Connection timeouts, performance degradation, and authentication problems are among the frequent challenges that IT professionals face in wired VDI setups. Addressing these issues promptly can lead to an improved VDI experience for end-users.

Connection Timeouts and Failures

Connection timeouts and failures are perhaps the most disruptive issues end-users experience. These interruptions can stem from various sources, often requiring a systematic approach to identify the root cause. A methodical approach must be adopted.

DNS Resolution Issues

Domain Name System (DNS) resolution is fundamental for VDI connections. If DNS servers are misconfigured, unreachable, or slow to respond, users may experience prolonged connection attempts or outright failures.

This happens because the VDI client is unable to translate the server’s hostname into an IP address. Ensure that DNS settings are correctly configured on both the client devices and the network.

Firewall Rule Interference

Firewalls act as gatekeepers, controlling network traffic based on predefined rules. Overly restrictive firewall rules can inadvertently block the traffic necessary for VDI connections, leading to timeouts or connection failures.

It is imperative to verify that firewall rules allow traffic on the ports and protocols required by the VDI solution, such as RDP (3389), ICA/HDX (1494, 2598), and PCoIP (4172).

Protocol-Specific Problems (RDP, ICA/HDX, PCoIP)

Different VDI solutions rely on different protocols to deliver the virtual desktop experience. RDP is commonly associated with Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services. Citrix uses ICA/HDX. VMware utilizes PCoIP.

Each protocol has its own set of potential issues. For instance, RDP might encounter problems related to encryption levels or authentication methods. ICA/HDX could suffer from issues with virtual channel mappings. PCoIP might experience difficulties with UDP-based transport. A deep understanding of the specific protocol in use is necessary for effective troubleshooting.

Performance Degradation

Even when a VDI connection is successfully established, performance degradation can significantly impact the user experience. This degradation manifests as slow application response times, laggy screen updates, and overall sluggishness, affecting productivity and user satisfaction.

High Network Latency

Network latency, the time it takes for data to travel between the client and the VDI server, is a critical factor in VDI performance. High latency, even in a wired environment, can result in noticeable delays in user interactions.

Latency is impacted by the distance between locations, or if there is an inefficient network infrastructure. Addressing latency might involve optimizing network routes, upgrading network hardware, or strategically locating VDI servers closer to end-users.

Insufficient Bandwidth

Bandwidth, the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given amount of time, directly impacts the responsiveness of VDI sessions.

Insufficient bandwidth, especially during peak usage hours, can lead to slow application performance and a frustrating user experience. VDI requires enough bandwidth to deliver desktop applications. Network administrators may consider implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize VDI traffic or upgrading network infrastructure to increase available bandwidth.

Packet Loss

Packet loss occurs when data packets fail to reach their destination, requiring retransmission. This introduces delays and reduces the overall throughput of the connection. High packet loss can severely impact VDI performance, leading to screen freezes, application errors, and general instability.

Diagnosing packet loss often involves analyzing network traffic with tools like Wireshark to identify the source of the problem. It may be caused by faulty network hardware, congestion, or misconfigured network devices.

Network Congestion

Network congestion arises when the network infrastructure is overloaded with traffic, leading to delays and reduced performance for all connected devices, including VDI clients.

Congestion affects VDI delivery, thus affecting performance. Managing network congestion involves analyzing traffic patterns, identifying bandwidth bottlenecks, and implementing traffic shaping techniques to prioritize critical applications.

Authentication and Authorization Issues

Gaining initial access to the VDI environment can be prevented due to Authentication and authorization failures. These problems are associated with issues with login attempts and can stop a user from logging in at all.

User Credential Problems

The most common authentication issues revolve around user credentials. Incorrect usernames, passwords, or expired accounts can all prevent users from logging into the VDI environment.

This could be caused by a fat-fingered typo. It is imperative to ensure that user accounts are properly managed, passwords are reset when necessary, and account policies are enforced consistently.

Incorrect Firewall Rules

Firewall rules not only affect connectivity but also play a crucial role in authentication and authorization. Even if basic connectivity is established, overly restrictive firewall rules can prevent users from accessing specific VDI resources or applications, leading to authorization failures.

This is often tied to port number problems. Verify that the firewall rules are correctly configured to allow traffic to and from the VDI servers on the necessary ports and protocols, ensuring that users have the appropriate level of access based on their roles and responsibilities.

Your VDI Troubleshooting Toolkit

After exploring the common culprits behind wired VDI connection issues, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve these problems effectively. This section will introduce a comprehensive toolkit, encompassing basic network testing utilities, advanced network analysis instruments, VDI-specific diagnostics, and the power of the command-line interface (CLI).

Basic Network Testing: Laying the Foundation

Basic network testing forms the bedrock of any troubleshooting endeavor. These utilities provide a quick and straightforward way to assess network connectivity and identify potential bottlenecks.

Ping: The Connectivity Canary

Ping is arguably the most fundamental network testing tool. It operates by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo requests to a target host and waiting for a response.

A successful ping indicates basic network connectivity between the source and destination. High latency (response time) or packet loss (failed responses) can point to network congestion or other underlying issues.

Traceroute/Tracert: Mapping the Network Path

While ping verifies connectivity, traceroute (on Linux/macOS) or tracert (on Windows) maps the path that network packets take to reach a destination. It displays each "hop" along the way, including the IP address and round-trip time for each hop.

This is invaluable for pinpointing where delays or bottlenecks occur. By examining the traceroute output, you can identify specific network segments that are contributing to performance degradation.

Network Analysis: Diving Deeper

When basic testing reveals issues, network analysis tools provide a more granular view of network traffic and performance.

Wireshark: The Packet Sniffer

Wireshark is a powerful, open-source packet analyzer that allows you to capture and inspect network traffic in real-time. It provides detailed information about each packet, including source and destination addresses, protocols, and data content.

Analyzing Wireshark captures can help identify specific protocols causing issues, detect excessive retransmissions due to packet loss, and diagnose application-layer problems. Its learning curve can be steep, but the insights gained are often invaluable.

Network Monitoring Tools: Continuous Vigilance

Network monitoring tools provide a continuous overview of network performance, tracking metrics such as bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and device availability. These tools often feature dashboards and alerts that can proactively notify you of potential problems.

Examples include SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, PRTG Network Monitor, and Zabbix. Selecting the right tool depends on the size and complexity of your network.

VDI-Specific Tools: Targeting the Virtual Desktop

Beyond general network tools, VDI environments often offer built-in diagnostic capabilities that can help pinpoint issues specific to the VDI connection.

Remote Desktop Client Diagnostics

The Remote Desktop Client (RDC) itself provides some built-in diagnostics. Checking the client’s connection information can reveal details about the connection quality, latency, and bandwidth usage.

These tools provide insights into the user’s experience and can help determine if the problem lies within the VDI session itself.

Command-Line Interface (CLI): The Power User’s Ally

The Command-Line Interface (CLI) provides direct access to network configuration and diagnostic commands. While graphical tools offer user-friendly interfaces, the CLI allows for greater control and automation.

Essential CLI Commands

Commands like ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux/macOS) display network interface configuration, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways. The netstat command shows active network connections and listening ports.

These commands are crucial for verifying network settings and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Leveraging the TCP/IP Protocol

A solid understanding of the TCP/IP protocol suite is essential for effective network troubleshooting. Knowing how protocols like TCP, UDP, and DNS work allows you to interpret network traffic patterns and diagnose protocol-specific problems. For instance, TCP’s three-way handshake and retransmission mechanisms can provide clues about connection establishment failures and packet loss.

Diagnosing and Solving Wired VDI Connection Challenges

After exploring the common culprits behind wired VDI connection issues, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve these problems effectively. This section will introduce a comprehensive toolkit, encompassing basic network testing utilities, advanced network analysis instruments, and VDI-specific diagnostics, coupled with a systematic approach to troubleshooting.

Isolating the Problem: A Foundation for Resolution

The first step in resolving any VDI connection problem is accurate isolation. Determining the root cause—whether it stems from the network itself or lies within the VDI environment—is paramount to efficient troubleshooting.

Begin by assessing whether the issue is widespread or isolated to a single user or device.

Network vs. VDI Specific

Is the problem impacting all users or only a subset? If only specific users are experiencing issues, the problem is likely related to the VDI environment. If all users are affected, it strongly suggests a network-related issue.

Checking the LAN Connection and Cabling

The physical connection should never be overlooked. Verify that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the client device and the network port. A faulty cable can lead to intermittent connectivity or reduced bandwidth.

Try swapping the cable with a known good one to rule out a cabling issue. Also, check the network port to ensure it is active and functioning correctly.

Testing Connectivity from Different Locations

If the problem persists, attempt to connect to the VDI environment from different locations (e.g., office vs. home). This can help determine whether the issue is specific to a particular network or a broader problem. If the connection works fine from one location but not another, focus your troubleshooting efforts on the problematic network’s infrastructure.

Analyzing Network Performance: Understanding the Metrics

Once the problem is isolated, analyzing network performance is critical to identify potential bottlenecks.

Key metrics to monitor include latency, bandwidth, and packet loss.

Measuring Latency, Bandwidth, and Packet Loss

Use tools like ping, traceroute, and iperf to measure these metrics. High latency can cause delays and sluggish performance in the VDI environment. Insufficient bandwidth can lead to slow application loading and poor responsiveness. Packet loss results in data retransmissions, further degrading performance.

Identifying Sources of Network Congestion

Network congestion can significantly impact VDI performance. Use network monitoring tools to identify periods of high network utilization and pinpoint the source of congestion. It could be caused by excessive traffic from other applications or devices on the network.

Addressing the congestion will improve VDI performance.

Verifying DNS and Firewall Rules: Essential Network Services

Proper DNS resolution and correctly configured firewall rules are essential for VDI connectivity.

Ensuring Proper DNS Resolution

Verify that the client device can resolve the VDI server’s hostname to its IP address. Incorrect DNS settings can prevent the client from connecting to the VDI environment. Use the nslookup command to check DNS resolution. Ensure that the DNS server being used is functioning correctly.

Checking Firewall Rules to Allow VDI Traffic

Firewall rules can inadvertently block VDI traffic. Ensure that the necessary ports for the VDI protocol (e.g., RDP, ICA/HDX, PCoIP) are open on the firewall. Check both the client-side and server-side firewalls. Confirm that there are no rules blocking traffic between the client and the VDI server.

Optimizing QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizing VDI Traffic

QoS can be used to prioritize VDI traffic over other types of network traffic. This helps ensure that VDI applications receive the necessary bandwidth and resources to provide a good user experience.

Prioritizing VDI Traffic

Implement QoS policies on network devices to give VDI traffic higher priority. This can significantly improve VDI performance, especially during periods of high network utilization. Configure QoS based on the VDI protocol being used and the specific needs of the VDI environment.

Addressing Thin Client Issues: Ensuring Optimal Configuration

Thin clients are often used to access VDI environments. Ensuring that the thin client is correctly configured and up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance.

Ensuring Thin Client Configuration and Updates

Verify that the thin client is running the latest firmware and has the correct configuration settings for the VDI environment. Outdated firmware or incorrect settings can cause performance problems.

Checking for Hardware or Software Conflicts

Check for any hardware or software conflicts that may be affecting the thin client’s performance. Ensure that all necessary drivers are installed. Review the thin client’s logs for any error messages or warnings that may indicate a problem.

Collaboration: The Key to Efficient VDI Support

Diagnosing and Solving Wired VDI Connection Challenges
After exploring the common culprits behind wired VDI connection issues, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve these problems effectively. This section will introduce a comprehensive toolkit, encompassing basic network testing utilities, advanced network analysis tools, VDI-specific diagnostics, and command-line interface (CLI) tools, designed to streamline the troubleshooting process.

Effective collaboration and communication are paramount for efficient VDI support. A well-coordinated approach between IT teams and end-users significantly reduces resolution times and minimizes disruptions.

This section delves into the distinct roles and responsibilities within the IT ecosystem, highlighting how each contributes to a seamless VDI experience.

The Symphony of IT Roles in VDI Support

The resolution of VDI connection problems often necessitates a collaborative effort from various IT specialists. Each role brings a unique skillset and perspective to the table. A clear understanding of these roles fosters efficient problem-solving and avoids duplicated efforts.

IT Administrators/Network Engineers: The Network Guardians

IT administrators and network engineers play a crucial role in identifying and resolving network-related issues. Their responsibilities include:

• Monitoring network performance and identifying bottlenecks.

• Troubleshooting connectivity problems, such as DNS resolution failures and firewall restrictions.

• Configuring and maintaining network infrastructure to ensure optimal VDI performance.

These experts delve deep into the network fabric, ensuring the pathways for VDI traffic are clear and unobstructed. They employ sophisticated tools and techniques to diagnose complex network issues, ranging from packet loss to latency spikes.

Help Desk Technicians: The Front Line of Support

Help desk technicians serve as the first point of contact for end-users experiencing VDI connection problems. Their key functions include:

• Gathering information from users about the nature of the problem.

• Performing initial troubleshooting steps, such as verifying user credentials and checking basic connectivity.

• Escalating complex issues to specialized teams.

Help desk technicians are the bridge between end-users and the technical back-end. Their ability to effectively communicate with users and document the issue accurately significantly speeds up the resolution process. They act as a filter, resolving simple issues and directing more complex ones to the appropriate experts.

VDI Architects: The Blueprints of the Virtual Realm

VDI architects are responsible for the design and configuration of the VDI environment. They possess in-depth knowledge of the VDI infrastructure, including:

• Understanding the intricacies of the VDI environment’s design and configuration.

• Identifying potential performance bottlenecks in the VDI setup.

• Providing guidance on optimizing the VDI environment for specific user workloads.

Their expertise is invaluable in understanding the architecture and identifying potential misconfigurations. They are instrumental in making strategic decisions and adjustments to ensure optimal VDI performance and scalability.

The Collaborative Workflow: A Seamless Resolution Process

A clearly defined collaborative workflow is essential for efficient VDI support. This involves establishing clear communication channels and escalation procedures. Tools such as ticketing systems and collaborative platforms facilitate seamless information sharing and coordination among IT teams.

Regular communication between the different roles ensures that everyone is on the same page.

By understanding and respecting the roles of each team member, and by fostering open communication, organizations can ensure swift resolution of VDI issues and maintain a productive and satisfied user base.

Proactive Steps: Maintaining a Robust Wired VDI Environment

Diagnosing and resolving VDI connection problems is only half the battle. The true mark of a proficient IT team lies in preventing these issues from arising in the first place. Proactive maintenance of a wired VDI environment is not merely a best practice; it’s a strategic imperative for ensuring consistent performance, minimizing downtime, and maximizing user satisfaction.

Regular Network Monitoring: The Sentinel of Stability

Continuous network monitoring is the cornerstone of a robust VDI environment. It’s about having real-time visibility into network performance metrics. This includes latency, bandwidth utilization, packet loss, and overall network health.

Effective monitoring requires deploying specialized tools. These tools track network traffic, identify bottlenecks, and alert administrators to potential problems before they escalate. Setting up threshold-based alerts is crucial. This allows IT to respond promptly to deviations from normal operating parameters.

Furthermore, regular analysis of monitoring data is essential. This allows for the identification of trends, prediction of future issues, and optimization of network configurations. Consider using historical data analysis to foresee potential problems.

Proactive Issue Identification: Forewarned is Forearmed

The goal is to identify potential issues before they disrupt user productivity. This requires a multi-faceted approach that combines automated monitoring with periodic manual checks.

Conduct regular network assessments to identify vulnerabilities. These assessments should include testing network infrastructure, reviewing configurations, and analyzing security logs. Vulnerability scanning tools can automate much of this process.

Also, establish a feedback loop with VDI users. Encourage them to report any performance issues, no matter how minor. User feedback can provide valuable insights into problems that automated monitoring might miss.

Leverage predictive analytics to anticipate potential issues based on historical data and trends. This allows IT to proactively address problems before they impact the VDI environment.

Keeping Hardware and Software Current: A Stitch in Time

Outdated hardware and software are major sources of VDI instability and security vulnerabilities. Regular updates are critical for maintaining a healthy and secure environment.

Implement a robust patch management process to ensure that all network devices, servers, and client devices are running the latest software versions. Automated patching tools can streamline this process and minimize the risk of human error.

Also, establish a hardware refresh cycle to replace aging network equipment. This prevents performance degradation and reduces the risk of hardware failures. Regular hardware audits can help identify devices that are nearing the end of their lifecycle.

Furthermore, ensure that VDI client software and protocols (such as RDP, ICA/HDX, or PCoIP) are up-to-date. Compatibility testing should be performed before deploying new versions to ensure they work seamlessly with the existing VDI environment.

Robust Security Measures: Fortifying the Perimeter

Security is paramount in a VDI environment. A single breach can compromise sensitive data and disrupt business operations. Implementing comprehensive security measures is non-negotiable.

Employ strong firewall rules to control network traffic and prevent unauthorized access to the VDI environment. Regularly review and update these rules to ensure they remain effective against emerging threats.

Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect user accounts from compromise. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification.

Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic for malicious activity. These systems can automatically block or quarantine suspicious traffic.

Regularly perform security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in the VDI environment. These tests simulate real-world attacks and help IT identify weaknesses that need to be addressed.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, these tips help you squash those pesky connection gremlins and get back to enjoying a smooth and reliable experience. Remember, troubleshooting can sometimes feel like a puzzle, but with a little patience (and these tricks up your sleeve!), you can usually get your virtual desktop wired connection humming along nicely. Happy connecting!