Objectives and Prerequisites

Introduction

This section provides an outline of tasks required for the setup and configuration of the 2Pint StifleR solution in order to execute a Proof of Concept (POC). It is recommended that a StifleR POC be conducted in a test lab environment. If a test lab is unavailable, a POC can be executed in a production environment with minimal risk, but only within a small subset of computers and defined locations.

The objective for a StifleR POC is to demonstrate how StifleR can enhance and extend Microsoft's BranchCache, Delivery Optimization, and BITS technologies with the goal of reducing WAN utilization and maximize peer-to-peer content delivery.

It’s important that the POC is driven from clear requirements. These requirements should be clearly defined and include test plans for validation.

Prerequisites

We recommend that all testing of 2Pint Software components should be installed and verified in a separate lab environment before implemented in a production environment. Once tested and verified in the lab, in can then be tested in the production environment. If a test lab is unavailable, the POC can be executed in a production environment in a controlled manner.

StifleR Server

Prepare a suitable server to act as the StifleR Server. If testing in a small lab, this can be any server for the purposes of testing as the load will be very light. If implementing in a production environment, check out the StifleR Server Considerations page for sizing information.

Lab Testing

In order to complete a POC deployment of 2Pint StifleR in a lab environment, you will need the following depending on whether you will be testing with Intune and/or Configuration Manager:

Intune

• A functioning Intune instance with several applications that can be used for testing purposes. Ideally no less than 500Mb in size (1GB recommended).

• Two or more client PC systems registered with Intune:

  • Ideally these clients should reside on separate subnets than one another.

  • It is recommended that some clients should reside on a subnet or two which have slower connectivity to an Internet gateway.

Configuration Manager

• Microsoft Configuration Manager Primary Site server:

  • This server will provide all of the CM Roles such as a Management Point, Distribution Point, etc. on a single server.

  • Several packages or applications that can be used for testing purposes. Ideally no less than 500Mb in size (1GB recommended).

• Two or more client PC systems with functioning CM clients:

  • These clients should reside on a separate subnet than the StifleR server and several clients should reside on separate subnets than one another.

  • It is recommended that some clients should reside on a subnet which has slower connectivity to a DP. In a lab environment, this can be achieved by installing a virtual appliance such as a pfSense router, which supports bandwidth limiting.

Production Environment Testing

In order to complete a POC deployment of 2Pint StifleR in a production environment, you will need to consider the following depending on whether you will be testing with Intune and/or Configuration Manager:

Intune

• A functioning Intune instance with several applications that can be used for testing purposes. Ideally no less than 500Mb in size (1GB recommended).

• Two or more client PC systems registered with Intune:

  • Ideally these clients should reside on separate subnets than one another.

  • It is recommended that some clients should reside on a subnet or two which have slower connectivity to an Internet gateway.

Configuration Manager

• It is recommended that you install a new Distribution Point (DP) running on a VM.

  • Identify and assign one or two locations to the new DP using boundaries and boundary groups.

  • It is recommended that a few clients should reside on a subnet with slower connectivity to the distribution point.

  • Several packages or applications that can be used for testing purposes. Ideally no less than 500Mb in size (1GB recommended).

• Two or more client PC systems with functioning CM clients:

  • These clients should reside on a separate subnet than the StifleR server and several clients should reside on separate subnets than one another.

  • It is recommended that some clients should reside on a subnet which has slower connectivity to the DP. In a lab environment, this can be achieved by installing a virtual appliance such as a pfSense router, which supports bandwidth limiting.