Citrix DaaS

Devices

HDX provides a high-definition user experience on any device, at any location. The articles in the Devices section describe these devices:

Optimized vs. generic USB device

An optimized USB device is one for which Citrix Workspace app has specific support. For example, the ability to redirect webcams using the HDX Multimedia virtual channel. A generic device is a USB device for which there is no specific support in Citrix Workspace app.

By default, generic USB redirection can’t redirect USB devices with optimized virtual channel support unless put into Generic mode.

In general, you get better performance for USB devices in Optimized mode than in Generic mode. However, there are cases where a USB device doesn’t have full functionality in Optimized mode. It might be necessary to switch to Generic mode to gain full access to its features.

With USB mass storage devices, you can use either client drive mapping or generic USB redirection, or both, controlled by Citrix polices. The main differences are:

If both generic USB redirection and the client drive mapping policies are enabled and a mass storage device is inserted either before or after a session starts, it’s redirected using client drive mapping.

When these conditions are true, the mass storage device is redirected using generic USB redirection:

  • Both generic USB redirection and the client drive mapping policies are enabled.
  • A device is configured for automatic redirection.
  • A mass storage device is inserted either before or after a session starts.

For more information, see http://support.citrix.com/article/CTX123015.

Feature Client drive mapping Generic USB redirection
Enabled by default Yes No
Read-only access configurable Yes No
Encrypted device access Yes, if encryption is unlocked before the device is accessed on the virtual session. Citrix Virtual Desktops only
Devices