Wi-Fi Roaming & Link Change Mid-Session

Overview

This test case is for users who are not stationary, such as those with mobile medical carts in a hospital, inventory scanners in a warehouse, or work-from-home users who may move between a wired docking station and a wireless connection. It validates the network resilience of a zTC device.

The test ensures that an active VDI session can survive two key network events: Wi-Fi roaming (moving between access points) and a link change (switching between Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet connection). A successful outcome demonstrates session continuity, which is critical for preventing work interruptions and data loss in mobile workflows. 📶

zTC/zMAN Configuration

Wi-Fi credentials can be pushed centrally from zMAN or configured locally on the device.

Method 1: Centralized Configuration via zMAN (Recommended)

1. Log into zMAN Director: Access the zMAN management UI.
2. Create a Wi-Fi Settings Configuration:
   • Navigate to Device Settings -> Settings.
   • Click ADD SETTINGS.
   • Give the configuration a name, such as Corporate-WiFi-Main-Campus.
   • Select the Wi-Fi section and enter the network credentials (SSID, security type, password/key).
   • Save the settings configuration.
3. Apply Settings to zTC:
   • Navigate to Device Management -> zTC Clients -> LIST.
   • Select the target zTC device and apply the Corporate-WiFi-Main-Campus policy.

Method 2: Local Configuration on zTC

1. Open Network Settings: On the zTC desktop, click the network icon in the system tray and Enable WIFI OR navigate to Start -> Preference -> Settings -> Wi-Fi.
2. Connect to Network:
   • Select the desired Wi-Fi network (SSID) from the list of available networks.
   • When prompted, enter the password and click Connect.

3rd Party Setup (Network Environment)

• For Wi-Fi Roaming: Your test environment must have at least two Wi-Fi access points broadcasting the exact same SSID and security credentials. The APs should be positioned so you can physically move the zTC from the coverage area of the first to the second.
• For Link Change: The zTC must be in a location that has both Wi-Fi coverage and an active Ethernet port connected to the same network.
• For VDI Session: A stable VDI session is required. To best observe interruptions, have a continuous network activity running, such as a streaming video or a large, multi-minute file transfer.

Execution

1. Start on Wi-Fi: Begin with the zTC unplugged from Ethernet and connected to the test Wi-Fi network. Launch a VDI session and start your continuous network activity (e.g., play a video).
2. Test Wi-Fi Roaming: Physically move the zTC so that it is forced to disconnect from the first access point and reconnect to the second one. Monitor the VDI session and the video stream during this transition.
3. Test Wi-Fi to Wired Switch: While the session is active over Wi-Fi, plug a live Ethernet cable into the zTC’s network port. Observe the VDI session as the operating system switches to the wired connection.
4. Test Wired to Wi-Fi Switch: After the device has stabilized on the wired connection, unplug the Ethernet cable. Observe the VDI session as the operating system fails over to the Wi-Fi connection.

Verification

• Wi-Fi Roaming (Pass/Fail):
  • PASS: As the device roams between access points, the VDI session remains connected. The video stream may pause for a few seconds but then resumes automatically without the session crashing or requiring a manual reconnect.
  • FAIL: The VDI session freezes indefinitely or disconnects entirely when the device attempts to roam, forcing the user to log back in.
• Wi-Fi to Wired Switching (Pass/Fail):
  • PASS: When the Ethernet cable is plugged in, the VDI session experiences a very brief interruption (e.g., a 1-3 second freeze) and then continues smoothly over the more stable wired connection. The OS correctly prioritizes the wired link.
  • FAIL: Plugging in the Ethernet cable causes the VDI session to disconnect. Alternatively, the device may fail to switch to the wired link, or the switch causes an IP conflict that disrupts the session.
• Wired to Wi-Fi Failover (Pass/Fail):
  • PASS: When the Ethernet cable is unplugged, the VDI session freezes briefly but automatically resumes over the Wi-Fi connection without disconnecting.
  • FAIL: Unplugging the Ethernet cable causes the VDI session to drop completely. The device fails to auto-connect to the known Wi-Fi network, requiring the user to manually intervene.