Citrix NetScaler

The complete solution for process optimization of delivery of web applications

The software of Citrix NetScaler – the complete solution for process optimization of delivery of web applications. The product NetScaler allows to use effectively resources of servers and network and to increase the speed of delivery of web applications more than by 5 times. NetScaler organizes positive control of traffic and provides protection of web applications, important for business, against different types of the attacks.

Infrastructure of delivery of NetScaler allows to transform the traditional corporate DPC built based on the nonflexible, isolated network devices to the cloud virtual data center having necessary flexibility and scalability for delivery of IT as service on demand. Being a principal component of the solutions Citrix OpenCloud, NetScaler provides to corporate customers and providers of cloud services powerful instruments of virtualization and the organization of computer networks. Moreover, NetScaler accelerates work of web applications and does their use by safer for thousands of corporate clients. The largest world suppliers of cloud services and websites selected NetScaler for creation of own infrastructure of delivery, daily ensuring functioning about 75% of Internet users worldwide.

Controllers of delivery of applications based on NetScaler support TriScale technology which allows to implement advantages of flexibility, ease of use and opportunities of expansion of cloud solutions in corporate and communication networks. This technology allows the companies of any scale to scale effectively networks of the DPCs for providing applications, the working systems and data to any user using any device and any network.

NetScaler is the traditional system of delivery of Internet services which is used every day by 75% of all Internet users. Citrix uses this development for creation of a cloud network platform, providing to customers one integrated solution which allows to implement advantages of flexibility, ease of use and scalability of a cloud in any network. It helps customers to offer private and public cloud services for any devices, supporting the optimal performance, security and reliability.

2016

NetScaler CPX Express

On August 24, 2016 the Citrix company announced release of NetScaler CPX Express - the free version of NetScaler CPX for developers. Software represents the solution NetScaler in a form factor of a container and offers functions of the balancer of loading checked in practice for application developers of microservices.

NetScaler CPX Express is the full-function application, it offers code base, REST API and the interface of transactions, as well as NetScaler ADC that provides soft junction from development stages to implementation stages.

NetScaler CPX Express gives to developers the chance to quickly begin work, has a number of features:

• function of balancing of loading taking into account requirements of different applications,
• simple updates in the course of work without violation of work of microservices,
• unloading of SSL,
• protection from network, transport and DDoS-threats of level of applications and API, providing restriction of transmission rate for decrease in threats of DDoS attacks
• observation, management and analytics in real time
• detection of services and automatic reconfiguration using management systems for the containers Google Kubernetes, Docker Swarm and Apache Mesos.

NetScaler T1000

On February 26, 2016 Citrix announced release of the NetScaler T1000 series integrating technology of optimization of ByteMobile company and the NetScaler platform.

This technological solution Citrix for expense reduction on management of mobile traffic. NetScaler T1000 offers suppliers of services the platform integrating technology of optimization of mobile traffic for increase in comfort of work of users and the controller of delivery of applications for increase in efficiency of network services. The program basis on which the portfolio of the network products Citrix is based helps customers to protect the investments which are already made in solutions, to provide in the future expansion of functionality since the NetScaler platform can be easy and is simply updated for compliance to new technologies and industry trends concerning the protected delivery of applications and data.

NetScaler T1000 integrates within a single platform of control function by data transmission channels according to needs of the user, balancing of loading, the CGNAT function and unique technology of identification of traffic and optimization.

NetScaler can:

• be scaled at much smaller cost per unit of capacity;
• provide mobility for deployment of different elements of network with a different speed;
• be integrated in the physical, hybrid and virtualized mediums for support of transition to NFV.

As a part of the platform:

• flexible architecture for management of different types of traffic;
• the increased capacity for efficiency and flexibility of work;
• the increased IT efficiency at the expense of higher rates of use of resources of infrastructure and consolidation;
• the lowered aggregate value.

Possibilities of NetScaler T1000 for suppliers of services:

• Integrate several functions based on one platform –  Allows operators to simplify deployment of S/Gi-LAN and to reduce complexity and inefficiency. The most important scenarios of consolidation: CGNAT, balancing of loading, optimization and circuit management of traffic.
• Scale mobile services S/Gi-LAN –  Allows operators to scale any scenario of use of network, including optimization and balancing of loading, CGNAT, optimization and circuit management of traffic; and LTE DNS, SMPP, SIP and also balancing of the Diameter protocol in a segment of management.
• NetScaler T1000 is offered be scaled according to requirements of networks of the different size – in the form of models with support from 20 Gbps to 100 Gbps and from 100 Gbps to 160 Gbps, with a possibility of acquisition of additional licenses in process of growth of requirements. Moreover, the clustering of devices allows to increase the processed capacity up to 3.3 Tbit / page. 
• Improve indicators of capital and operating expenses – NetScaler T1000 considerably reduces costs in terms of 1 Gigabit of capacity, reducing costs to 3 times in comparison with ASIC - platforms. Mobile operators can increase the networks using NetScaler and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Pass to the automated and virtualized networks  – NetScaler is certified on integration with different popular OpenStack solution providers, including Red Hat and Mirantis, and can be unrolled in the form of PNF. Besides, virtual ADC (VPX) can work with PNF in hybrid network, using identical API for management of the NFV platforms.  

We reduce costs on management of mobile traffic, proposing the innovative solution which integrates technology of optimization ByteMobile and the NetScaler ADC platform for increase in efficiency of network and increase in comfort of work of users. In conditions when amounts of the processed traffic continue to grow, suppliers of mobile services need the integrated platform which is scaled according to requirements and reduces costs on further development of infrastructure. Sergey Halyapin, chief engineer of the Russian representative office of Citrix

Simplification of delivery of applications in hybrid cloud environments and architecture of applications of microservices with NetScaler innovations

More and more companies pass to digital technologies therefore the IT organizations need networks of delivery of applications which conform to new requirements of the Digital enterprise using three new additions within the Citrix NetScaler family: NetScaler Management and Analytics System (NMAS), NetScaler CPX and NetScaler SD-WAN Enterprise Edition which integrate all network products within the NetScaler family.

NMAS is a platform for management, automation, visualization and analytics for management of both traditional IT, and the infrastructures of Agile IT ADC working in hybrid cloud environments and architecture of applications of microservices. For Agile IT NMAS reduces a development cycle using tools which implement function of balancing of loading at an early stage that simplifies transition to production environments. For traditional IT of NMAS allows to scale services of L4-L7 level and considerably simplifies fault recovery process.

The solution NetScaler CPX is the controller of delivery of the NetScaler Application Delivery Controller (ADC) applications in a container form factor, but it is created on the basis of the same code, as traditional NetScaler ADC. NetScaler CPX works running Linux and is packed in the form of the container Docker. Application developers can use NetScaler CPX with an opportunity to develop the code with the same controller of delivery of the ADC applications of the corporate level and functions of balancing of loading which they can use throughout all development process. Moreover, NetScaler CPX can be provided and unrolled using the command line of Docker.

Citrix also provided NetScaler SD-WAN Enterprise Edition, completely integrated solution of SD-WAN which offers function of universal management. The companies will not face problems of control of different devices or components at remote offices any more. The technology of virtualization NetScaler SD-WAN provides the fastest failure recovery, offers unique features of balancing of loading, intellectual expansions for delivery of carriers without loss and in real time and a comprehensive protection of the corporate level.

2015

The NetScaler MPX 25000 controller is released

On April 9, 2015 Citrix announced release of the controller of delivery of applications of an operator class of the NetScaler MPX 25000 series.

NetScaler MPX 25000, 2015

The product is intended for providers of communication services, supports Citrix TriScale technology and performance/price provides the high level of a ratio.

The updated NetScaler implementation - a system two mounting units high (2RU) at data transfer rate of 160 GB / with and scaling options of network performance of services of the mobile operator (S/Gi-LAN) up to 3.5 Tb / page.

Representation of NetScaler MPX 25000, 2015

The controller of delivery of applications of the NetScaler MPX 25000 series supports a possibility of transition to NFV technology (Network Functions Virtualization) by conversion to the multi-user platform with support of several tens virtual copies of controllers of delivery of applications (Application Delivery Controller, ADC).

A system eliminates the difficulties connected with unprofitable scaling of capacity, insufficient level of use of investments into delivery of applications and lack of alternatives of delivery of applications on type physical-virtual.

To provide success in the future, operators of mobile networks should find methods for support of mass scaling for much lower cost per unit of capacity, saving capability to develop different elements of the networks with a different speed. All these advantages of efficiency and profitability are implemented in controllers of delivery of applications of the NetScaler MPX 25000 series. Due to use of commercially available chips instead of dedicated chips which are often used in other controllers of delivery of applications NetScaler gets advantages in the form of a ratio curve processor performance cost with a smaller radius of curvature that gives the chance to provide higher ratio performance/price.

Such approach, together with software-defined architecture of NetScaler, provides to operators flexibility of transition from the physical systems on virtual on the same platform. Anyway virtual copies of NetScaler provide identical functionality of the NetScaler MPX 25000 systems.

The controller of operator level of the NetScaler MPX 25000 series provides:

• the ratio performance/price is 50% higher in comparison with the competing products in a chassis form factor.
• the ratio performance/price is 3 times higher in comparison with the competing products on the platform of the selected devices.

Additional benefits of NetScaler MPX 25000 for suppliers of communication services:

• scaling of mobile services S/Gi-LAN  helps operators to scale any scenario of use of network, including optimization and balancing of loading of gateways, CGNAT and traffic management of data transmission; and balancing of loading of LTE of DNS, SMPP, SIP and diameter regarding management.

• consolidation of several scenarios of use on one platform  helps operators to reduce the number of deployments for the certain scenarios of use creating additional complexity and reducing efficiency in the S/Gi-LAN environments.

• the maximum reduction of unnecessary investments  helps operators to protect the investments into network infrastructure using a clustering of Citrix TriScale processing several systems as one logic and functional unit. As operators want to reduce initial investments and to scale capacity using the new hardware, they can continue uses of the original hardware.

• transition to the NFV environments  helps operators to protect and make a transfer of network infrastructure on the multi-user systems with support to 8 copies of virtual controllers of delivery of applications using Citrix TriScale.

"The heterogeneity in the mobile industry determined by NFV forces operators to change architecture and to review the principles of networks of delivery. Based on our experience of deployment in more than 140 mobile networks and the world's largest public cloud environments, Citrix continues to offer technology innovations which will help mobile operators to transform the networks. It became possible using NetScaler, the only thing in the industry of completely software-defined controller of delivery of applications. As mobile operators began transition to S/Gi-LAN, they were faced the need of scaling of networks in the conditions of cost reduction. With the NetScaler MPX 25000 platform we took everything that we know about economy with cloud scaling, and implemented it in a new solution", – Sergey Halyapin, the head of department of the Citrix system engineers in Russia and the CIS countries told.

NetScaler is equipped with functions of the universal gateway

On June 15, 2015 the Citrix company submitted the concept of the controller of delivery of jobs based on own network solutions including NetScaler.

The controller of delivery of jobs is the concept of the unified system for protection and delivery of all applications by scaling and optimization of corporate hybrid cloud environments.

Development offers the companies and users:

• the increased comfort of work with the help of the uniform portal for access to any applications;
• an opportunity to use any device for obtaining information in any place;
• higher productivity since users have continuous access to the jobs.

The opportunities given by the solution

• The unified infrastructure of remote access  – consolidates all remote access within one complete solution for all corporate, web, mobile, cloud and the SaaS-applications. This consolidation releases IT resources, increases operational efficiency, cuts down operating expenses and develops functionality.

• One URL for the simplified access for end users  – provides one adapted graphic user interface for access for end users to all of the application.

• The protected uniform input in applications – allows to execute integration with corporate solutions, including the Active Directory, and consolidation with other systems using SAML.

• The high level of control  –  helps to control more deeply security and ensuring compliance to requirements in the mode real time on all sections of passing of traffic.

• The centralized and simplified security policy  - SmartControl, one of new features of NetScaler, provides to administrators easier way for installation of settings of access for certain users of XenApp and XenDesktop on the basis of developed the politician.

NetScaler helps to expand functionality of users, being the product which seamlessly is integrated with XenApp and XenDesktop, providing the protected remote access with traffic observation of applications for the fast solution of possible malfunctions.

Integration with Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform

On October 28, 2015 Citrix announced integration and certification of the controller of delivery of applications of NetScaler into the Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform platform.

Customers had an opportunity to create own cloud infrastructures, using components from the companies Citrix and Red Hat.

The joint solution provides to customers access to a broad set of products for performance improvement and scalability of projects on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform platform.

Customers aim to create completely integrated data processing centers with the minimum volume of manual adjustment of a configuration, and this integration provides them completely automated management of services using uniform command center of NetScaler Control Center.

NetScaler Control Center allows customers to unroll difficult configurations, managed C the help of the single console. NetScaler Control Center supports by a set of the methods of preparation for start which are initially integrated into Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform, and customers can use one OpenStack configuration for distribution of changes of configurations to NetScaler.

"Citrix aims to give to customers exclusive flexibility and ample opportunities for the choice during creation of data processing centers of c use of the technologies, best in the class, including OpenStack. Red Hat is the leader in community OpenStack and customers of Red Hat OpenStack can use the NetScaler platform conducting in the market now to guarantee scalability, availability and security of the projects", - Sergey Halyapin, the chief engineer of the Russian representative office of Citrix noted.

As the controller of delivery of applications NetScaler helps to optimize deployment of Microsoft

NetScaler accelerates deployment of Microsoft SharePoint 2013. A set of characteristics NetScaler includes:

• availability by means of balancing of loading of servers at the level of GSLB;
• security blanket thanks to the integrated firewall safety features for applications;
• the maximum comfort of work of the user thanks to opportunities of acceleration of operation of applications;
• fast setup using simple in use the politician;
• absolute lack of need for programming.

2014

Integration with Cisco Nexus 7000

On April 23, 2014 the Citrix company announced release of Citrix NetScaler in quality a blade module of remote service for series 7000 Cisco switches Nexus.

Description

Integration of NetScaler into the Nexus 7000 switch is implemented by joint efforts of two companies which used for this purpose Cisco Remote Integrated Service Engine (RISE) technology. After installation and the Citrix NetScaler setup it is integrated with the external device so if NetScaler represented the built-in service module installed directly on a unifying payment of the switch for use of expanded functionality of the switch. Such approach provides the automated control, simplifies implementation and reduces working costs with preserving of high performance, availability and reliability of the controller of delivery of applications (ADC), best in the class.

Functionality

Advantages of integration:

• Automatic adjustment – RISE technology reduces the number of transactions which need to be executed for integration of NetScaler with Cisco Nexus 7000. This process is reduced from 45 steps to 9. The technology reduces time of setup and synchronizes configurations of network that considerably simplifies maintenance and updating and also reduces risk of emergence of errors of configuring.
• Reduction of a downtime is Updating of routes of NetScaler and Nexus 7000 in real time provides reduction of recovery time to 40 times. NetScaler supports a possibility of transfer of updates about Nexus 7000 route status using RISE technology that allows users to implement more simply the general services within several data processing centers. Besides, cost falls and availability of services increases.
• Simple monitoring – integration of RISE technology allows to receive more exact control over work of data processing centers due to lack of need for concealment of the IP addresses within all services of the controller of delivery of applications. It guarantees that NetScaler will be better to control infrastructures of a data processing center and will provide more positive control.
• The integrated collective support – integration of RISE technology expands collective functionality of NetScaler and Nexus 7000. It provides exclusive flexibility of support of private and public clouds, including a possibility of installation of copies of Cisco Nexus VDC and NetScaler in different options of a configuration: one-to-many, many to one and many to many.

Availability

The Citrix NetScaler controller in quality a blade module of remote service for the Cisco switch Nexus of series 7000 is available to the order.

"Transition of many modern and quickly growing enterprises to models of services on the basis of cloud solutions becomes more and more popular. The companies aim to build the inner pattern so that as much as possible to correspond to economic realities and to remain competitive in comparison with other players of the market, - Oleg Ivanov, the area director of Citrix in Russia and the CIS countries noted. - We are sure that integration of Citrix Netscaler and Cisco Nexus of series 7000 will allow our clients to solve effectively more and more complex problems and to try to obtain the systematic growth and expansion of business, relying on support of our solution".

Testing of Citrix and F5

On August 8, 2014 the group Tolly published results of a research of solutions of two competing companies - Citrix and F5. Based on testing the solution Citrix NetScaler provided performance gain to 480% in comparison with models Citrix and F5.

The actual, measured performance is a key factor when choosing the controller of delivery of applications (CDA) for the modern data processing centers (DPC). But because of extensive functionality of KDP it is important to understand its actual output in actual practice of operation. While many traditional solutions of balancing of loading and KDP are constructed on the basis of the specialized hardware, Citrix NetScaler is created on the basis of the specialized software working at standard hardware platforms of Intel which are easy for virtualizing. Within testing experts of Tolly carried out the comparative assessment of performance of standard configurations of several NetScaler models with comparable KDP BIG-IP of production F5 Networks in the conditions which are brought closer to real.

As the platform the standard corporate configuration was used. Four solutions Citrix and four F5 models, the most expensive taking into account the stated request processing performance per second were selected. For extensive and realistic base of comparison of each couple of competing solutions testing according to three different scenarios was held: simple balancing of loading, standard delivery of web applications, the protected delivery of web applications. According to the results of testing of the solution Citrix showed more successful results on

• The gain of performance can reach 4.8 times in comparison with F5 BIG-IP by results testing in actual practice;
• Stabler performance thanks to bigger functionality;
• Much higher performance when scaling multitenantny and multicopy configurations.

"We are glad that our developments received high independent assessment from Tolly company. Results of this research unambiguously show the high performance and reliability of the solution Citrix NetScaler that is confirmed not only outstanding indicators according to the results of testing, but also exclusively positive reviews of our customers who already use advantages of this solution within the business" - Sergey Halyapin, the head of the Citrix system engineers in Russia and the CIS countries emphasized.

2013

Citrix NetScaler 1000V

Integration with Cisco Unified Fabric Cloud Network Services

Cisco and Citrix intend to integrate Citrix NetScaler ADC technology (application delivery controller is the controller of delivery of applications) into a solution portfolio of Cisco Unified Fabric Cloud Network Services, the press service of Cisco reported on June 21, 2013. The solution will be issued under the name of Citrix NetScaler 1000V.

Integration between the controller of delivery of virtual applications and a virtual network architecture of Cisco will allow to improve considerably selection of resources for network services and to sharply raise performance.

Expectations of partners

Integration of Citrix NetScaler 1000V will make "intellectual" functions of delivery of applications within cloud network services of Cisco. This unified integrated approach represents a new step to areas of development of ADC technology. Thanks to close integration with network infrastructure of Cisco it significantly changes its opportunities that it is still unavailable another, existing in the market, to the solutions ADC. Technology cooperation of Cisco and Citrix is implemented within the strategy developed in October, 2012 at the Citrix Synergy conference where the companies announced expansion of strategic alliance in three spheres: cloud, mobile and network.

Differences and advantages of the offer

• the integrated nature of the solution. Combination of technologies Cisco and Citrix within single integrated solution will help the enterprises and telecom operators to automate really cloud services, to accelerate processes of implementation of services and to simplify network services.

• Simplicity of selection of resources on the Nexus 1000V platform. Unlike other solutions ADC, Citrix NetScaler 1000V it will be integrated with the platform of cloud services Cisco Nexus 1100 and architecture of vPath that will allow to create unique communications with Nexus 1000V. The Cisco vPath technology allows to enter in the dynamic mode new applied services (for example, NetScaler) into virtual and cloud networks.

• Simplicity of implementation on the Nexus 7000 switches. Within cooperation of Cisco and Citrix in architectural projects of new generation for DPCs and cloud computing it is going to provide compatibility of the network Citrix NetScaler SDX platform and hardware Citrix NetScaler MPX ADC controllers with the Cisco switches Nexus 7000. As a result customers will receive higher reliability, simplicity of implementation (by the principle of "Plug and Play"), the increased flexibility and protection of the investments enclosed in switches and controllers of delivery of services (ADC).

• Broad compatibility with cloud network services. In virtual network environment of Cisco Nexus 1000V support of all virtual services, including the cloud network ASA 1000V screen, virtual gateway of security (Virtual Security Gateway), the virtual solution for optimization of global networks, the virtual network analytical module Cisco Prime and the router of cloud services of Cloud Services Router 1000V will be provided. The supported services will also be is among by the virtual services of other companies which are closely integrated into this architecture. The solution Citrix NetScaler 1000V will be completely compatible to a wide range of cloud network services of Cisco.

• Delivery of applications in the unified data processing center. Cloud network services (Cloud Network Services) create the strategy of virtual network services for wider environment of the unified data processing center (Cisco Unified Data Center) including closely integrated architecture of virtualization and the computing servers ready to cloud technologies (Unified Compute Servers is the unified computing servers), a network matrix (Unified Fabric) and the platform of automation (Unified Management is the unified management). This new set of services enters intellectual services of delivery of applications into structure of architecture of Cisco for the unified data processing centers.

• Simplicity of entry into the market. Citrix and Cisco will cooperate in actions for entry into the market. In particular, the joint publication of documents on the certified architecture of Cisco Validated Design (CVD) allowing the customer to take fully advantage of strategy of Cisco to the unified DPCs is supposed.

Exit

Citrix NetScaler 1000V will be available to the order through Cisco distribution channels from 3rd quarter 2013.

2012: NetScaler 10

Citrix announced in April, 2012 release of NetScaler 10, the solution which allows both communication, and corporate networks to use possibilities of "cloud" calculations. NetScaler 10 uses new Citrix TriScale technology, allowing the companies of any sizes to expand the networks "in breadth, deep into and up", by analogy with largest world public "clouds".

The new version, NetScaler 10, provides to users the uniform, integrated tool for use of flexibility, simplicity and other advantages of "cloud" calculations in networks of any size. This combination will allow clients to provide access to public and private "clouds" with a high performance, security and reliability from any devices.

Crucial element of NetScale 10 – new TriScale technology which will cardinally transform architecture of NetScale, implementing possibilities of versatile expansion in data centers of the companies and networks of providers. The innovation approach gives opportunities for performance improvement of separate segments for increase in flexibility, to expansion for increase in capacities as a result of application of opportunities of NetScale in the unified cluster and to deepening by means of consolidation of numerous network capabilities in a single platform of NetScale for providing access considerably to simplify network infrastructure.

Managers of data centers and "cloud" structures will be able to have an opportunity to provide network services on the basis of exclusive flexibility and scaling options. It provides permanent presence of necessary capacities for fulfillment of requirements even of the most resource-intensive applications or services most efficiently – at the same time users do not overpay for resources which they do not use.

The TriScale technology will allow users: increase flexibility at performance improvement by 5 times using simple model of licensing NetScale "you pay in process of growth"; increase interaction by means of the multifunction NetScaler SDX platform for simplification of networks of data centers, prevention of uncontrollable growth of components and streamlining of operational management by means of consolidation to forty independent virtual devices on one platform with a simple management structure; expand capacities by 32 times, connecting new components to the existing systems on the basis of NetScaler in the Plug and Play mode using TriScale clusters that allows to refuse the outdated scheme of creation of high-available solutions at the expense of pair devices.

NetScaler 10 is supported by NetScaler MPX devices, the virtual NetScaler VPX systems and the virtualized multi-user NetScaler SDX platforms. NetScaler 10 is available at the price from $2 thousand. The new solution is distributed for free for the existing users of Citrix NetScaler with the current agreement on service. Cluster opportunities of Citrix TriScale are offered in limited scope at present, and the license will be available to updating of products in the second quarter 2012.