Implementing a client-based VPN solution for secure remote access using Windows Server 2012 R2 has many advantages over dedicated and proprietary security appliances. Windows-based VPN servers are easy to manage, cost effective, and offer greater deployment flexibility.
Full Answer
How to connect a remote client to the local network via VPN?
So, if VPN is enabled on Server Essentials, you may connect a remote client to the local network via VPN, run the Connect wizard from http:// <servername> /connect or http://< domainname >.remotewebaccess.com/connect URL and join the remote client to the server. The process is very simple and straightforward.
Can I manage remote computers without a VPN?
Users never have to think about connecting to the internal network, and IT administrators can manage remote computers outside the office, even when the computers are not connected to the VPN. For more information, see DirectAccess in Windows Server.
Can I install Windows Server 2012 on a virtual private server?
If you wish, you can Choose your perfect Windows Virtual Private Server Packages and install Windows Server 2012 on it, then continue with the instructions. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a set of computers that connect to a public network such as the Internet. In commercial locations, VPNs are used to communicate with remote data centers.
What is the remote access server role?
The Remote Access server role is a logical grouping of the following related network access technologies. These technologies are the role services of the Remote Access server role. When you install the Remote Access server role, you can install one or more role services while running the Add Roles and Features Wizard.
Why do we prefer VPN for remote access?
Using a remote access VPN provides several advantages for businesses. The most important benefit though is data security. When an offsite employee sends data through a VPN, it is encrypted, so even if a hacker is able to intercept that data, they won't be able to use it.
What are the advantages of Windows Server 2012?
Advantages. As expected, Windows Server 2012 supports more memory, a greater number of processors and more disk space than its predecessor. Additionally, the OS boasts several cloud and security enhancements well suited for cloud management.
Do you need VPN for remote access?
No, but they serve a similar function. A VPN lets you access a secure network. RDP lets you remotely access a specific computer. Both will (usually) encrypt your traffic in one way or another, and both will grant you private access to a server or device that might be thousands of miles away.
What is remote access in Windows Server?
Remote Access is a server role in Microsoft Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 that provides administrators with a dashboard for managing, configuring and monitoring network access. Remote Access can be installed using the Add Roles and Features Wizard.
What are the advantages of using Windows Server?
The major advantage of using Windows server is the security. It provides excellent security and is safe to use in most cases. Any website that you want to host will require an internet connection which will be redirected through the use of the server.
What are advantages of using Windows Server 2016 over Server 2012?
5 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows Server 20161) Better Security.2) Less Downtime, More Productivity.3) More Applications and Reliability.4) More RAM.5) All the Benefits of the Cloud –To Your Own Servers.No Time or Resources to Upgrade? No Problem.
What are the benefits of having a VPN?
Pros of VPN: What are the advantages of using a VPN?Secure Your Network. The benefits of using a VPN are vast. ... Hide Your Private Information. ... Prevent Data Throttling. ... Avoid Bandwidth Throttling. ... Get Access to Geo-blocked Services. ... Network Scalability. ... Reduce Support Costs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using remote desktop instead of a VPN?
Unlike VPN, RDP typically enables users to access applications and files on any device, at any time, over any type of connection. The biggest advantage of RDP is that you have access to network resources, databases, and line-of-business software applications without the limitations and high bandwidth demands of VPN.
What is the difference between VPN and remote access?
A VPN is a smaller private network that runs on top of a larger public network, while Remote Desktop is a type of software that allows users to remotely control a computer. 2. Remote Desktop allows access and control to a specific computer, while VPN only allows access to shared network resources.
How do I setup a VPN remote server?
Configure Remote Access as a VPN ServerOn the VPN server, in Server Manager, select the Notifications flag.In the Tasks menu, select Open the Getting Started Wizard. ... Select Deploy VPN only. ... Right-click the VPN server, then select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.More items...•
What is the difference between RAS and VPN?
Information sent over a VPN is secure, it«s both authenticated and encrypted, while information sent via RAS lacks these security features. Although RAS served a purpose in providing LAN access to remote users, its time has clearly passed.
What is the name of the remote access server?
Microsoft Remote Access Server (RAS) is the predecessor to Microsoft Routing and Remote Access Server (RRAS). RRAS is a Microsoft Windows Server feature that allows Microsoft Windows clients to remotely access a Microsoft Windows network.
Which of the following are benefits of using Windows Server 2012 r2 server Core?
In this articleBenefitDescriptionLess disk space requiredServer Core requires about 4GB to install.Less memory (RAM) requiredBecause fewer services are running on a Server Core-based server, memory that would otherwise be needed by Windows is available to Server applications.3 more rows•Oct 3, 2017
What are the advantages of Windows Server 2008?
These new features provide better file and data management, better performance monitoring and reliability tracking tools to identify system problems and proactively address issues, a new image deployment tool, and a whole new set of Group Policy Objects that help administrators better manage users, computers, and other ...
What are benefits after upgrading adds to Windows Server 2012?
Windows Server 2012's enhanced storage virtualization expands the original to include easier management as well as new capabilities that include the availability to share a virtual hard disk and assign Quality of Service (QoS) based on the needs of the virtual instance.
What are the features of Windows Server?
Top 7 Features of Windows Server 2019#1 Windows Admin Center. ... #2 Enhanced Security. ... #3 Containers. ... #4 Easier administration of Server Core. ... #5 Linux Integration. ... #6 System Insights. ... #7 Automated client connectivity. ... Conclusion: Server 2019 = Game Changer.
Your TOP questions on Remote Access are all answered here by Richard Hicks, MVP, Mobility & Enterprise Expert
Microsoft DirectAccess Remote Access (VPN) with Windows 10 and Serv...
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Richard Hicks is a network and information security expert specializing in Microsoft technologies. He is a Microsoft Enterprise Security MVP and the founder and principal consultant for Richard M. Hicks Consulting. Richard has deployed secure remote access solutions for some of the largest organizations in the world.
DirectAccess
DirectAccess enables remote users to securely access shared resources, Web sites, and applications on an internal network without connecting to a virtual private network (VPN). DirectAccess establishes bi-directional connectivity with an internal network every time a DirectAccess-enabled computer is connected to the Internet.
Routing and Remote Access
The Routing and Remote Access service (RRAS) supports remote user or site-to-site connectivity by using virtual private network (VPN) or dial-up connections. RRAS provides the following features.
Web Application Proxy
Web Application Proxy is a new Remote Access role service in Windows Server 2012 R2. Web Application Proxy provides reverse proxy functionality for web applications inside your corporate network to allow users on any device to access them from outside the corporate network.
The Case For Windows-based Vpn
- Historically, VPN has been implemented using firewalls or dedicated VPN appliances. So why use a Windows Server for VPN? Here are some things to consider. 1. Easy to Implement– Installing and configuring a VPN server using Windows Server 2012 R2 is simple. By following the guidanc…
Installation Prerequisites
- The VPN server should be configured with two network interfaces; one internal and one external. This configuration allows for a better security posture, as the external network interface can have a more restrictive firewall profile than the internal interface. A server with two network interfaces requires special attention to the network configuration. Only the external network interface is co…
Preparing The Server
- Once the server is provisioned and joined to the domain, installing the VPN role is simple and straightforward. To install the VPN role, enter the following command in an elevated PowerShell command window. Install-WindowsFeature DirectAccess-VPN -IncludeManagementTools Install the VPN role using the Install-WindowsFeature PowerShell command.
Configure Remote Access
- Open the Routing and Remote Access management console. Right-click the VPN server and choose Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access. Configure and enable Routing and Remote Access. Click Next, choose the Remote access (dial-up or VPN) option, and click Next. Choose Remote access (dial-up or VPN). Choose VPN and click Next. Choose VPN. Select the n…
Configure DHCP Relay Agent
- To enable the internal DHCP server to provide IP address assignment for remote access clients, expand IPv4 and then right-click DHCP Relay Agent and choose Properties. Configure DHCP relay agent. Enter the IP address of the DHCP server and click Add. Repeat this process for any additional DHCP servers and click OK. Configure DHCP relay agent.
Network Policy Server (NPS) Configuration
- The VPN server is configured to allow remote access only to users whose domain account dial-in properties are set to allow access, by default. A better and more effective way to grant remote access is by using an Active Directory (AD) security group. To configure remote access permissions for an AD group, right-click Remote Access Logging and choose Launch NPS. Laun…
Client Connectivity Testing
- The VPN server is now configured to accept incoming remote access client connections, but only in a limited fashion. Only the PPTP VPN protocol will function without additional configuration. Unfortunately, PPTP suffers from some serious security vulnerabilities in its default configuration, and it should not be used as configured in a production environment. However, it is quick and eff…
Introduction
Multisite Support
Support For Server CORE
Windows Powershell Support
User Monitoring
Server Monitoring
Summary
- Windows Server 2012 includes a number of new improvements to the routing and remote access service that will make DirectAccess easier than ever to deploy and make it easy to integrate DirectAccess and traditional VPN connectivity so that both modern and legacy Windows and non-Windows clients can connect to the corporate network. In a future article...