ThinClient — Localboot Scenario

Explanation of the function

Basic Function

~~Translation~~Within ~~pending.~~the company network, use PXE boot to quickly deploy ThinClients. In this case, the ThinClients boot the openthinclient OS via the internal network. For home-office deployment, install the openthinclient OS on a storage medium. To access network resources, such as the terminal server, establish a VPN connection.

Thin Client Requirements

Ensure the thin client contains a local storage medium.

Network requirements

IT must provide a VPN infrastructure, i.e., a firewall and a router that supports VPN must be set up at the company headquarters.

Corporate headquarters: Firewall with VPN gateway, supports OpenVPN

Set up a router in the home office to establish a VPN tunnel to the corporate headquarters and provide a network connection to the Citrix or terminal servers.

In the home office, establish access to the company headquarters through a VPN tunnel. In the simplest case, configure a router as an access point. Connect the VPN router's WAN interface to the internet modem.

Connect the thin client to the router’s internal network port (LAN port)..

The router establishes the VPN connection to headquarters, and all devices connected to the router are transparently connected to the company network; in other words, the operation of a thin client functions the same as at the main location.

Home Office: VPN Router and ThinClient

Alternatively, establish the VPN connection directly on the thin client with software. Install and configure appropriate VPN client software, e.g., OpenVPN, on the thin client.

Home Office: Thin Client and OpenVPN Application

Once the VPN connection is established, access a Citrix or terminal server through the network tunnel.

Step-by-step setup instructions

1. openthinclient Manager

Download the openthinclient software and install the openthinclient Manager on a server, or use one of the provided virtual appliances.

2. Configure ThinClient with PXE Boot

Start the openthinclient Manager, set up one or more thin clients, and boot them over the network via PXE.

3. Configuring the Applications

Assign the desired server-based computing application (e.g., Citrix, FreeRDP, VMware Horizon, browser) to the thin client and test it on the local corporate network.
Verify that the user can successfully log in to the terminal server, and test the screen resolution, keyboard layout, etc.

4. Setting up and running Localboot

Next, configure the Localboot application.

Ensure the storage device is configured under the correct device name.

Assign the application to the thin client.Boot the thin client via PXE and launch Localboot via the desktop icon.
The hard drive will then be erased, partitioned, and installed.

After the local image has been written, change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI and verify that the client boots from the local flash storage, hard drive, USB drive, etc.

Finally, verify full functionality by confirming access to all apps.

5. Configure the firewall/router

Next, configure the VPN tunnel.

Set up an OpenVPN connection on the network. Depending on the manufacturer, features, and security requirements, use keys and certificates or a username/password.

For assistance, contact openthinclient gmbh.

Once the VPN gateway's configured, set up the remote endpoints.

6. VPN

6.1 VPN Router Configuration

To use the VPN tunnel in a home office, set up a VPN-enabled router using the access credentials created via the firewall.

If IP masquerading (network address translation) is used, account for it when configuring the ThinClient.

Then, test whether the router can establish a connection to the company network via the Internet through a VPN tunnel.

6.2 VPN Client

If you want to use the VPN tunnel in your home office from the ThinClient, first install the OpenVPN application package.

Next, configure the OpenVPN application. Enterthe appropriate login credentials for the VPN connection.

Assign the VPN application to the thin client.

After rebooting, test whether the OpenVPN application can establish a connection to the company network via the Internet through a VPN tunnel.

7. Ready for the Home Office

If all tests succeed, provide the ThinClient or ThinClient + Router to the employee for home use.

The employee can then access the terminal server through the VPN tunnel and work server-based.

Good luck!

Support from openthinclient gmbh

To request assistance with installation and configuration, book a service hour package;
a technician will assist via phone or remote connection.