The analysis focuses on on-prem VDI protocols as of Q2 2026, evaluating them based on network frame inspection, congestion control algorithms, and codec pipelines. The study excludes DaaS, Azure Virtual Desktop, and cloud-based gateways, focusing strictly on local infrastructure performance.
Citrix HDX/EDT leads the market, particularly after the introduction of HDX Graphics Superresolution Upscaling in CVAD 2603. This feature is the industry's first protocol-level AI-based client-side scaling mechanism, significantly improving bandwidth efficiency and quality.
Omnissa Horizon ranks second with its BEAT transport. While previously considered stagnant, recent updates like Horizon 2512 introduced VVC Raw Channels. BEAT uses a congestion control algorithm similar to BBR, which accounts for bottleneck bandwidth and RTT, though it remains less aggressive than Citrix EDT.
Microsoft RDP remains a LAN-oriented protocol with minor WAN adjustments. The analysis covers RDS on Windows Server, as it is the only Microsoft solution functioning entirely on-prem without cloud dependencies. Hybrid architectures like AVD are excluded from this specific on-prem assessment.
Citrix EDT operates over DTLS 1.2/1.3 and uses a delay-based congestion control model. At 5% packet loss, EDT maintains 75–85% of effective throughput, whereas loss-based models drop to approximately 30%. The protocol also features an EDT Lossy mode for real-time media, available since CVAD 2308.
