Without optimization, Webex app messaging works as-is in a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment. The full Webex app experience also includes calling and meetings, which require video and audio media processing.
Because of a limitation known as the hairpin effect, calling, meeting, and accompanying video capability are not supported without optimization. The additional bandwidth required for calls and video creates a bottleneck at the data center because the media flows from one user to the data center back to another user. As a result of this unoptimized media path and the lack of easy access to peripherals such as device speakers, microphone, and camera, the user experience is not ideal.
To fix the issue of the hairpin effect, the Webex VDI plugin extends the Cisco collaboration experience to virtual deployments so that users can use the full messaging, meeting, and calling functionality that the Webex app provides.
Webex Desktop Download
To reduce latency and to enhance media quality, the VDI plugin optimizes the media workflows by streaming media directly between users on thin client endpoints and leverages the hardware of the thin client machines to handle media processing. This media path does not go through the hosted virtual desktops (HVDs). The result is a stable and full-featured calling and meeting experience for your VDI users.
- Cisco Webex Teams provides continuous teamwork beyond the meeting with group messaging, file and screen sharing, white boarding and more. It is a secure platform with end-to-end encryption, that means your messages, files, and whiteboard drawings are fully encrypted right from your device to your recipients' devices.
- Webex Teams Desktop Upgrade Behavior I'm hoping someone from Cisco can shed some light on the desktop client upgrade process for Webex Teams. A new release was made available yesterday and I usually try to install and test it as early as I can before the update gets pushed to other users in our org.
In this architecture, the Webex app is installed on the HVD in your VDI environment and required VDI plugins are installed on the user's thin client (typically a lightweight system, like a repurposed laptop or desktop).
Using a supported Linux or Windows-based thin client, users access the Webex app on the HVD from a remote virtual desktop environment. With supported versions of Webex, users can use all of the built-in messaging, meetings, and calling on Webex functionality on their thin client. Additionally, you can integrate Webex VDI with a Unified CM or Webex Calling environment, so that users can use supported call features. You can also deploy the full featured meetings experience by installing the Webex Meetings VDI plugin.
Sign in to Webex Teams for group chat, video calling, and sharing documents with your team. It's all backed by Cisco security and reliability. The Webex Meetings desktop app automatically downloads after starting or joining a Webex meeting from a Webex site or email invitation. Click the installation file to install it. Refer to the New Webex Sign-In Users and the New Webex Guest Users sections in the Cisco Webex Meetings Desktop App.
Note | The Webex on the virtual desktop still processes lightweight data such as the call signaling and retrieving configuration from the cloud. |
Webex Teams Desktop Download
For new features for each release, see the Release Notes for more information.