Can I use DirectAccess without a VPN?
These clients can access internal network resources through DirectAccess any time they are located on the Internet, without the need to sign in to a VPN connection. Client computers that are not running one of these operating systems can connect to the internal network through a VPN.
How does remote management of DirectAccess work?
During the remote management of DirectAccess client computers, clients initiate communication with management servers, such as domain controllers, System Center configuration servers, and Health Registration Authority (HRA) servers for services that include Windows and antivirus updates and Network Access Protection (NAP) client compliance.
What is a DirectAccess client computer?
Managed client computers running Windows 8 and Windows 7 can be configured as DirectAccess client computers. These clients can access internal network resources through DirectAccess any time they are located on the Internet, without the need to sign in to a VPN connection.
Why was my SSTP-based VPN connection to the remote access server terminated?
“The SSTP-based VPN connection to the remote access server was terminated because of a security check failure. Security settings on the remote access server do not match settings on this computer. Contact the system administrator of the remote access server and relay the following information.”
Is Microsoft DirectAccess still supported?
As of today, Microsoft has not announced the End of Life of DirectAccess and based on Microsoft's standard product life cycle, DirectAccess will be available and supported for many years to come. Always On VPN has many benefits over the Windows VPN solutions of the past.
Why is my DirectAccess not working?
There are several reasons this error may occur: A proxy server is blocking the connection. Inability to resolve the name of the IP-HTTPS server (DirectAccess server) mentioned in the IP-HTTPS interface URL. Client-side or server-side firewall may be blocking the connection to the IP-HTTPS Server (DirectAccess server).
Can Windows 7 clients be allowed to use DirectAccess?
DirectAccess can be integrated with NAP to ensure that mobile clients are kept up to date with software updates and antimalware software and definitions. Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate support DirectAccess.
What are the benefits of using DirectAccess as a remote access solution?
Advantages of DirectAccessIncreased security. DirectAccess provides a fully encrypted and authenticated mode of connection. ... User experience. ... Lower Support costs and ease of use. ... Support for load balancing.
How do I know if DirectAccess is enabled?
The DirectAccess NCA can be accessed by pressing the Windows Key + I and then clicking on Network & Internet and DirectAccess. Here you'll find a helpful visual indicator of current connectivity status, and for multisite deployments you'll also find details about the current entry point.
How do I enable DirectAccess?
To configure DirectAccess using the Getting Started Wizard In Server Manager click Tools, and then click Remote Access Management. In the Remote Access Management console, select the role service to configure in the left navigation pane, and then click Run the Getting Started Wizard. Click Deploy DirectAccess only.
What is the difference between DirectAccess and VPN?
DirectAccess can be used to provide secure remote access and enhanced management for Windows laptops managed by IT, while VPN can be deployed for non-managed devices.
What is the most basic requirement for a DirectAccess implementation?
What is the most basic requirement for a DirectAccess implementation? The DirectAccess server must be part of an Active Directory domain.
Does windows11 support DirectAccess?
In somewhat of a surprise move, Microsoft also announced it is integrating Microsoft Teams into Windows 11, including direct access from the taskbar.
Is Microsoft DirectAccess a VPN?
DirectAccess, also known as Unified Remote Access, is a VPN technology that provides intranet connectivity to client computers when they are connected to the Internet.
Is DirectAccess always on VPN?
New features introduced in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update allow IT administrators to configure automatic VPN connection profiles. This Always On VPN connection provides a DirectAccess-like experience using traditional remote access VPN protocols such as IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP/IPsec.
What is replacing DirectAccess?
Windows 10 Always On VPN is the replacement for Microsoft's DirectAccess remote access technology. Always On VPN aims to address several shortcomings of DirectAccess, including support for Windows 10 Professional and non-domain joined devices, as well as cloud integration with Intune and Azure Active Directory.
What are the most common issues with using DirectAccess what can be done to troubleshoot those issues?
The most common DirectAccess issues are network connectivity and Group Policy application. When it comes to troubleshooting, if a client has never had DirectAccess working, verify that the computer account is in the proper group for Group Policy application.
Why does DirectAccess keep disconnecting?
Usually when DirectAccess stops communicating, it stops working because the NRPT isn't configured properly. If this happens, you may run into a situation where some systems are unable to ping domain controllers or other systems by using NetBIOS names or through FQDNs.
What is Microsoft IP-HTTPS platform adapter?
IP over HTTPS ("IP-HTTPS", "MS-IPHTTPS") is a Microsoft network tunneling protocol. The IP-HTTPS protocol transports IPv6 packets across non-IPv6 networks. It does a similar job as the earlier 6to4 or Teredo tunneling mechanisms.
Question
I am in the process of planning to implement Direct Access on Windows Server 2012 R2. I'm currently planning to use a single network adapter behind an edge firewall (NAT).
All replies
If you have DA behind NAT it can only use IP-HTTPS and because it's a TCP protocol the performance is terrible. This is because TCP handshakes and you suffer a double encryption penalty, (which is apparently not an issue in 8/8.1)
Common Causes
The two most common causes of this issue are when SSTP is configured for SSL offload, and when a VPN client is on a network where SSL inspection is taking place.
Resolution
When offloading SSL to another device, the RRAS server must be configured to know which SSL certificate is being presented to remote clients. This information is stored in the following registry key.
PowerShell Configuration
If the SSL certificate cannot be installed on the VPN server, or to automate this configuration across multiple servers remotely, download and run the Enable-SstpOffload PowerShell script from my GitHub repository here and run the following command.
How to get advanced permissions for DirectAccess?
Select either the Client Settings or Server Settings GPO (either is fine as you will need to do both anyway!) then go to delegation, then advanced, then advanced again. You should now be in the advanced/special permissions for one of your DirectAccess GPO’s.
Can domain admins have all rights?
If you select your Domain Admins group and click edit. You shoud see that Domain Admins have pretty much all permissions (except Full Control, All extended rights and Apply group policy by default). We are looking to do the same thing for our security group/users.
Does GPO have the same permissions as domain admins?
Now in your Delegation tab on your GPO you should see that your security group has the same permissions as the Domain Admins security group (Edit settings, delete, modify security.)
What is the certificate for SSTP?
Certification Authority. It is recommended that the SSL certificate used for SSTP be issued by a public Certification Authority (CA). Public CAs typically have their Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) hosted on robust, highly available infrastructure. This reduces the chance of failed VPN connection attempts caused by the CRL being offline ...
Where to install SSL certificate for RRAS VPN?
Since SSTP uses HTTPS for transport, a common SSL certificate must be installed in the Local Computer/Personal/Certificates store on the RRAS VPN server. The certificate must include the Server Authentication Enhanced Key Usage (EKU) at a minimum. Often SSL certificates include both the Server Authentication and Client Authentication EKUs, but the Client Authentication EKU is not strictly required. The subject name on the certificate, or at least one of the Subject Alternative Name entries, must match the public hostname used by VPN clients to connect to the VPN server. Multi-SAN (sometimes referred to as UC certificates) and wildcard certificates are supported.
What is a RRAS server?
The Windows Server 2016 Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) is commonly deployed as a VPN server for Windows 10 Always On VPN deployments. Using RRAS, Always On VPN administrators can take advantage of Microsoft’s proprietary Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) VPN protocol. SSTP is a Transport Layer Security (TLS) based VPN protocol that uses HTTPS over the standard TCP port 443 to encapsulate and encrypt communication between the Always On VPN client and the RRAS VPN server. SSTP is a firewall-friendly protocol that ensures ubiquitous remote network connectivity. Although IKEv2 is the protocol of choice when the highest level of security is required for VPN connections, SSTP can still provide very good security when implementation best practices are followed.
Why is forward secrecy important?
Using forward secrecy for SSTP is crucial to ensuring the highest levels of security for VPN connections.
Which key type is used for SSL?
RSA is the most common key type used for SSL certificates. However, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) keys offer better security and performance, so it is recommended that the SSTP SSL certificate be created using an ECC key instead.
What key exchange is used for forward secrecy?
To enforce the use of forward secrecy, the TLS configuration on the VPN server should be prioritized to prefer cipher suites with Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral (ECDHE) key exchange.
Does SSL include EKU?
Often SSL certificates include both the Server Authentication and Client Authentication EKUs, but the Client Authentication EKU is not strictly required. The subject name on the certificate, or at least one of the Subject Alternative Name entries, must match the public hostname used by VPN clients to connect to the VPN server.
What is DirectAccess domain?
You should have much higher expectations for these machines than you have for unmanaged machines. As you can see, DirectAccess allows you to realize your higher expectations for these machines, regardless of where that machine is located. DirectAccess allows you to extend your domain's strong management and security policy controls to all machines under your stewardship, and do it any time that machine is turned on, even if the user doesn't log on to the machine.
Why are network level VPNs less secure?
These other solutions are not only simpler for the users they are actually more secure because they help enforce the security principle of least privilege.
Is DirectAccess bidirectional?
The DirectAccess connection is bidirectional, so you are able to connect to those machines, inventory those machines and apply security and management policies to those machines, just as if they were connected to your network. When the user logs on, a second VPN connection is established.
Do I need network access for Outlook?
Users do not need network level access to connect to their mail and calendar information. Outlook RPC/HTTP: The RPC/HTTP protocol enables users to benefit from the full, rich Outlook client without requiring the full level of network access enabled by a network layer VPN connection. The Outlook RPC/MAPI communications are encapsulated in an HTTP ...
Is DirectAccess a VPN?
These are just a few examples of what you gain when deploying DirectAccess on your network. It is clear that DirectAccess is not only a very cool remote access VPN solution, but is something that will change how you approach the entire concept of VP Ns in the future.
How to add host to DirectAccess NLS?
In name type DirectAccess-NLS and the IP address of your server. Click Add Host
How to check connection security rules?
Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security and check if you see the Connection Security rules as in the screenshot. If you do not see those policies are not applied. Maybe you forgot to add the computer account to the Direct Access Computers group or check the Event log for policy related errors.
How to copy IPv6 address?
Open a Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Copy the IPv6 address as in the screenshot
What is the command to restart Active Directory Certificate Services?
From an elevated Powershell prompt type Restart-Service certsvc to restart Active Directory Certificate Services.
Can you connect to DirectAccess on a mobile computer?
Remember that we checked ‘Enable DirectAccess for mobile computers only’ when we ran the Direct Access setup wizard? What this means is that Computer accounts that are in the Direct Access Computers security group AND have a Mobile Processor will be able to connect to DirectAccess, all others will not be able to connect.
Does DirectAccess require Windows 10?
For DirectAccess to work you need a Windows 10 Enterprise license. The ‘Numinous Travel Company’ has such a server in their office, it is a Windows Server 2016 Standard with the Essentials Experience role and DHCP installed. It is the only server they have because ‘Numinous Travel Company’ has only 7 employees.