Capacity Planning for MultiPoint Server

Before you deploy Windows MultiPoint Server 2010, consider the number of individual stations and servers you will require. The capacity requirements of a given computer that is running MultiPoint Server will have a direct impact on all aspects of the deployment, from general room layout to cabling and power requirements. Consider the following factors:

  • Number of users who will access the system at the same time

  • Software applications and content, such as streaming video from the Internet, that will be used

  • Files that users will work with

  • Network usage

  • Site planning

Number of Users, Stations, and MultiPoint Servers

The number of stations you will need depends on the number of people who will have to access the MultiPoint Server system at the same time. Similarly, the number of servers you will need depends on the number of stations required. At most, a single MultiPoint Server can support up to eleven stations.

Software Application Scenarios

The software applications that users run, and the Internet content they access, will influence the number of stations you decide to connect to a single MultiPoint Server, based on the amount of RAM the computer has, and the capability of its CPU. For example, if a computer that is running MultiPoint Server is used to run productivity software, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail, or to access Web sites that do not require full-motion videos, more stations can be connected to the MultiPoint Server without a significant effect on performance. However, if the computer that is running MultiPoint Server is used to access multimedia content or Web pages, such as YouTube.com, that do use full-motion videos, fewer stations are supported.

The following table shows the CPU and RAM recommendations for three different program scenarios, and hosting as many as 11 stations.

Program/Station Scenarios Productivity Mixed Video-Intensive

(Word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and Web browsing)

(Productivity software, plus video playing occasionally on some stations)

(Productivity software, plus video playing frequently on many stations, at the same time)

1 — 4 Stations

CPU Requirement

x64 dual-core

x64 dual-core

x64 dual-core

RAM Requirement

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

5 — 6 Stations

CPU Requirement

x64 dual-core

x64 dual-core

x64 quad-core

RAM Requirement

4 GB

4 GB

6 GB

7 — 11 Stations

CPU Requirement

x64 quad-core

x64 quad-core

x64 quad-core hyperthreaded

RAM Requirement

6 GB

6 GB

6 GB

Note

If you plan to deploy three or more MultiPoint Servers, consider adding them to a domain or implementing a domain management system to help make managing user accounts easier.

For more information about choosing the best MultiPoint Server hardware for your needs, contact your hardware vendor.

For more information regarding possible application-related issues, see the Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Application Compatibility Guide.