Remote-access Guide

remote access always on vpn deployment overview

by Dr. Douglas Gutmann Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The server side of a typical Always On VPN deployment requires at least one VPN server and one authentication (RADIUS) server. A common solution is to use Windows Server with the Routing and Remote Access role installed for the VPN server, and Windows Server with the Network Policy Server role installed for the RADIUS server.

Always On VPN provides a single, cohesive solution for remote access and supports domain-joined, nondomain-joined (workgroup), or Azure AD–joined devices, even personally owned devices. With Always On VPN, the connection type does not have to be exclusively user or device but can be a combination of both.May 18, 2022

Full Answer

What is Microsoft always on VPN (aovpn)?

Microsoft Always on VPN (AOVPN) is a remote access technology included as part of the Unified Remote Access role in Windows Server 2012 R2/2016/2019. Starting from Windows Server 2016, Routing and Remote Access server (RRAS) role is designed to be used remote access server as well as router supporting wide range of features.

What is an example deployment of always on VPN?

This example deployment of Always On VPN will include: 1 VPN server running Windows Server 2019 with the Routing and Remote Access role. This server will be located in a perimeter network and will have 2 network adapters. 1 NPS server running Windows Server 2019 with the Network Policy Server role.

What is always on VPN and remote access?

Remote Access is one of the components of empowering remote workers to be productive. Always On VPN is easy to use and easy to implement, thereby providing a seamless and persistent connection for your Windows 10 mobile devices.

How does always on VPN work with Azure Active Directory?

Always On VPN clients can be standalone or, to take advantage of advanced features, they can be joined to Azure Active Directory. Always On VPN is infrastructure independent and can be deployed using Windows Routing and Remote Access (RRAS) or any third-party VPN device.

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How does remote access work with VPN?

A remote access VPN works by creating a virtual tunnel between an employee's device and the company's network. This tunnel goes through the public internet but the data sent back and forth through it is protected by encryption and security protocols to help keep it private and secure.

How secure is Microsoft always on VPN?

Security: Always On VPN has new, advanced security capabilities to restrict the type of traffic, which applications can use the VPN connection, and which authentication methods you can use to initiate the connection. When the connection is active most of the time, it is especially important to secure the connection.

What is the difference between DirectAccess and always on VPN?

Where DirectAccess provides access to all internal resources when connected, Always On VPN allows administrators to restrict client access to internal resources in a variety of ways. In addition, traffic filter policies can be applied on a per-user or group basis.

Is always on VPN MFA?

MFA only works with the Windows 10 Always On VPN user tunnel. Enforcing MFA for the device tunnel is not supported. After installing the NPS Extension for Azure MFA, the administrator may encounter failed VPN connection attempts.

What protocol does always on VPN use?

IKEv2Always On VPN is designed to work with IKEv2. But Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) can be configured as a fallback protocol in cases where clients are unable to connect to the VPN device using IKEv2. SSTP transports Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) through a secure channel using TCP port 433.

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.

Does always on VPN require enterprise?

Always On VPN is a Windows 10-only solution. However, unlike DirectAccess, client devices do not have to run the Enterprise edition to take advantage of it. Windows 10 Professional, along with all other SKUs, are now supported clients.

Should I use always on VPN?

VPNs offer the best online security, so you should leave your VPN on at all times to protect yourself against data leaks and cyberattacks, while you're using public W-Fi, and against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. So always keep your VPN on.

What is Microsoft DirectAccess?

Microsoft DirectAccess. “DirectAccess provides users transparent access to internal network resources whenever they are connected to the Internet.” DirectAccess does not require any user intervention or any credentials to be supplied in order to connect.

How do I stop Microsoft from always using VPN?

2. Using a manual VPN connection on Windows 10Launch the Settings app in Windows 10.Click the Network & Internet button.Select the VPN category in the left-hand menu.Click Disconnect if you want to disconnect or Remove if you want to delete it.

What is a VPN gateway in Azure?

Azure VPN Gateway connects your on-premises networks to Azure through Site-to-Site VPNs in a similar way that you set up and connect to a remote branch office. The connectivity is secure and uses the industry-standard protocols Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and Internet Key Exchange (IKE).

What is always on VPN Cisco?

Always on VPN is a VPN solution for staff with a Windows 10 PC working at a Department that is part of Coordinated IT. Always on VPN will automatically connect you to the KI network. You can access KI's resources without having to start Cisco VPN or verify with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Should I use always on VPN?

VPNs offer the best online security, so you should leave your VPN on at all times to protect yourself against data leaks and cyberattacks, while you're using public W-Fi, and against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. So always keep your VPN on.

How do I stop Microsoft from always using VPN?

2. Using a manual VPN connection on Windows 10Launch the Settings app in Windows 10.Click the Network & Internet button.Select the VPN category in the left-hand menu.Click Disconnect if you want to disconnect or Remove if you want to delete it.

Does Microsoft have a free VPN?

It's powered by Cloudflare and called the 'Microsoft Edge Secure Network.

What is Microsoft TLS VPN solution?

Microsoft Tunnel is a VPN gateway solution for Microsoft Intune that runs in a container on Linux and allows access to on-premises resources from iOS/iPadOS and Android Enterprise devices using modern authentication and Conditional Access. This article introduces the tunnel, how it works, and its architecture.

DirectAccess deployment scenario

In this deployment scenario, you use a simple DirectAccess deployment scenario as a starting point for the migration this guide presents. You do not need to match this deployment scenario before migrating to Always On VPN, but for many organizations, this simple setup is an accurate representation of their current DirectAccess deployment.

Always On VPN deployment scenario

In this deployment scenario, you focus on migrating a simple DirectAccess environment to a simple Always On VPN environment, which is the DirectAccess replacement solution. The following table provides the features used in this simple solution.

Next step

Plan the DirectAccess to Always On VPN migration. The primary goal of the migration is for users to maintain remote connectivity to the office throughout the process.

What is always on VPN?

Always On VPN utilizes familiar VPN infrastructure, which means that it can also utilize familiar VPN protocols. There are two main protocols that make the most sense to use when working with Always On VPN.

How does a VPN client work?

The VPN client sends a connection request to the external IP address of the VPN server. The edge firewall passes the connection request to the external interface of the VPN server. The VPN server passes the connection request to the RADIUS server.

What does a VPN client do?

The VPN client sends a connection request to the external IP address of the VPN server

Which protocol is used for always on VPN?

Note that when using a Always On VPN device tunnel, IKEv2 is the only supported protocol.

What is a user tunnel?

The User Tunnel is established when a user logs into a computer. This type of tunnel is ideal for granting access to file shares or applications.

What is always on VPN?

Always On VPN utilizes familiar VPN infrastructure, which means that it can also utilize familiar VPN protocols. There are two main protocols that make the most sense to use when working with Always On VPN.

Which protocol is used for always on VPN?

Note that when using a Always On VPN device tunnel, IKEv2 is the only supported protocol.

How does a VPN work?

The VPN server passes the connection request to the RADIUS server. The connection request leaves via the internal interface of the VPN server and passes through the internal firewall. The RADIUS server receives and authenticates the connection request. The RADIUS server returns an accept or deny response to the VPN server.

How many servers does Always On VPN use?

The server side of a typical Always On VPN deployment requires at least one VPN server and one authentication (RADIUS) server. A common solution is to use Windows Server with the Routing and Remote Access role installed for the VPN server, and Windows Server with the Network Policy Server role installed for the RADIUS server.

Which firewall passes the connection request to the external interface of the VPN server?

The edge firewall passes the connection request to the external interface of the VPN server

What is a user tunnel?

The User Tunnel is established when a user logs into a computer. This type of tunnel is ideal for granting access to file shares or applications.

How does Cisco AnyConnect work?

The Cisco AnyConnect client’s initial connection is typically launched with a web browser. After the client is installed on a user’s computer, subsequent connections can be established through the web browser again or directly through the Cisco AnyConnect client, which is now installed on the user’s computer. The user needs the IP address or DNS name of the appliance, a username and password, and the name of the VPN group to which they are assigned. Alternatively, the user can directly access the VPN group with the group-url, after which they need to provide their username and password.

What is Cisco AnyConnect client profile?

Cisco AnyConnect Client Profile is the location where the newer configura-tion of the Cisco AnyConnect client is defined . Cisco AnyConnect 2.5 and later use the configuration in this section, including many of the newest features added to the Cisco AnyConnect client.

What is Cisco ASA?

Cisco ASA advertises each connected user to the rest of the network as individual host routes. Summarizing the address pool reduces the IP route table size for easier troubleshooting and faster recovery from failures.

What is step 16 in VPN?

Step16: Repeat the export in PEM format. This format is used for distribu-tion to VPN client devices when using self-signed certificates. A secure passphrase is not used with the PEM format.

Does Cisco ASDM require HTTPS?

Cisco ASDM requires that the appliance’s HTTPS server be available. Be sure that the configuration includes networks where administrative staff has access to the device through Cisco ASDM; the appliance can offer controlled Cisco ASDM access for a single address or management subnet (in this case, 10.4.48.0/24).

Does Cisco ASA require password management?

The MS-CHAPv2 authentication protocol requires that password management is enabled on the RA VPN Cisco ASA appliance. This procedure is recommended but not required when using Active Directory by itself.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Both internal and external Domain Name System (DNS) zones are required, which assumes that the internal zone is a delegated subdomain of the external zone (for example, corp.contoso.com and contoso.com).

Firewalls

Make sure that your firewalls allow the traffic that is necessary for both VPN and RADIUS communications to function correctly.

Remote Access as a RAS Gateway VPN Server

In Windows Server 2016, the Remote Access server role is designed to perform well as both a router and a remote access server; therefore, it supports a wide array of features. For this deployment guidance, you require only a small subset of these features: support for IKEv2 VPN connections and LAN routing.

Network Policy Server (NPS)

NPS allows you to create and enforce organization-wide network access policies for connection request authentication and authorization. When you use NPS as a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server, you configure network access servers, such as VPN servers, as RADIUS clients in NPS.

Active Directory Certificate Services

The Certification Authority (CA) Server is a certification authority that is running Active Directory Certificate Services. The VPN configuration requires an Active Directory-based public key infrastructure (PKI).

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

AD DS provides a distributed database that stores and manages information about network resources and application-specific data from directory-enabled applications. Administrators can use AD DS to organize elements of a network, such as users, computers, and other devices, into a hierarchical containment structure.

Windows 10 VPN Clients

In addition to the server components, ensure that the client computers you configure to use VPN are running Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607). The Windows 10 VPN clients must be domain-joined to your Active Directory domain.

How to provide assurance for AOVPN?

To provide even higher levels of assurance for AOVPN clients, strong user authentication can be implemented using Digital certificates, Windows Hello for business, smart cards (physical or virtual), One-time password of MFA support by utilizing EAP Radius integration. Custom configuration can be employed to provide additional security. For example, with additional configuration, IPsec custom crypto settings can be customized to meet higher security requirements.

What is AOVPN in Windows 10?

AOVPN is a collection of Windows platform technologies that are assembled to provide secure, seamless, and transparent, always on, bi-directional network connectivity for remote Windows 10 machines. AOVPN leverages authenticated IPsec encryption for mutual authentication, confidentiality, data integrity, access control and establishing along with data source authentication for IP datagrams. AOVPN supports both IPv6 and IPv4 protocols. AOVPN leverages variety of Authentication options such as Digital Certificate, EAP, smart cards, Windows Hello for Business, and OTP through MFA by way of EAP radius configuration. AOVPN provides two types of tunnels; Device Tunnel and User Tunnels and these tunnels can be provisioned via SCCM, Microsoft Endpoint configuration manager and Intune, or running PowerShell script on the windows 10 end point.

What is AOVPN in Windows Server 2016?

Microsoft Always on VPN (AOVPN) is a remote access technology included as part of the Unified Remote Access role in Windows Server 2012 R2/2016/2019. Starting from Windows Server 2016, Routing and Remote Access server (RRAS) role is designed to be used remote access server as well as router supporting wide range of features. For AOVPN deployment the required features are support for IKEv2 VPN connections, Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP), and LAN routing.

What is AOVPN whitepaper?

This whitepaper serves to provide an overview of security features in AOVPN. It will explain in detail how the authentication process works, provide insight into optional security configurations, its integration with Azure Cloud and advanced features, explore the differences between split and force tunneling, and outline how to address lost or stolen AOVPN devices. Finally, the benefits of using the Celestix E Series hardware appliance platform and its additional features and enhancements can provide the best experience for AOVPN deployments.

What is user tunnel?

User tunnel – Enables windows 10 AOVPN enabled device to connect only after Active Directory based user has successfully logged on to the device. After User tunnel connected with the specified VPN severs, it allows users to access organization corporate resources through VPN servers.

What is ADC in AOVPN?

Delivery Controller (ADC) can be deployed to provide a level of pre authentication for AOVPN clients. Also, encryption methods using stronger cipher suites and Hashing algorithms.

Does AOVPN support VPN?

AOVPN also support LockDown VPN which only allows the device to send network traffic over the VPN interface. Its enforces this by keeping VPN connected all times, user’s ability to disable/disconnect/Delete VPN Connection, applying force tunnel mode, and if VPN connection is not available then disable all outbound access.

What does "always on" mean in VPN?

Like DirectAccess, the VPN connection is “Always On” meaning there is no user input required unless multi-factor authentication is enabled. As soon as a client is connected to the Internet, the VPN connection is established. Steps for implementing Always On VPN connection.

What is the difference between Windows 10 Always On VPN and DirectAccess?

These two technologies provide seamless, transparent, always-on remote network access for Windows clients. - Always On VPN is provisioned to the user. - DirectAccess is provisioned to the devices This presents a challenge for deployment scenarios that require the VPN connection to be established before the user logs on.

What is NPS server?

The NPS server will ensure the authentication and authorization requests are processed and then decides the request. This request determines if the connection is permited or denied. Here are the requirements for Always On VPN. The following requirements (components) are needed to implement Always On VPN.

Is remote access VPN anbaled?

Routing and Remote Access: Remote Access VPN should be anbaled to support IKEv2 connection and LAN routing.

Is always on VPN easy?

Remote Access is one of the components of empowering remote workers to be productive. Always On VPN is easy to use and easy to implement, thereby providing a seamless and persistent connection for your Windows 10 mobile devices. In the past and to date, this has been implemented by Virtual Private Network (VPN) and this setup can be extremely difficult when you are inexperienced. Kindly see the following related contents: Windows 10 Always On VPN (AOVPN) Overview, features and Requirements, Quick Steps in Setting Up AWS VPC, and how to Activate (License) Cisco ASA 5505.

Is DirectAccess available on Windows Server 2008?

Previously, DirectAccess was developed in Windows Server 2008 R2, providing this service to Windows 7 and Windows 8 “Enterprise” edition clients. And this technology has had some drawbacks and difficulties in its implementation. Therefore from Windows 10 and Windows 2016 and above, “Always On VPN” technology was introduced.

Is DirectAccess always on?

DirectAccess is now Always On VPN with the idea to overcome the impediments of DirectAccess. Always On VPN technology, Microsoft is looking to achieve a single solution of remote access that supports a wide array of clients. Like DirectAccess, the VPN connection is “Always On” meaning there is no user input required unless multi-factor ...

What is always on VPN?

Always On VPN is infrastructure independent and can be deployed using Windows Routing and Remote Access (RRAS) or any third-party VPN device. Authentication can be provided by Windows Network Policy Server (NPS) or any third-party RADIUS platform.

What is Windows 10 Always On VPN?

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 is DirectAccess?

DirectAccess was once touted by Microsoft as the best solution for enterprises wanting to provide secure, seamless and transparent, always-on remote corporate network connectivity for managed (domain-joined) Windows clients.

Why is remote access important?

Providing secure remote access ensures the highest levels of productivity for mobile workers. It improves security and compliance for company-owned systems by allowing administrators to maintain standard configurations and ensure the best possible security posture for their client machines.

Is Always On VPN better than DirectAccess?

On the whole, Always On VPN is an easier solution to support than DirectAccess. It has fewer infrastructure dependencies and is not as tightly coupled with them. This provides greater deployment flexibility and makes the solution easier to troubleshoot.

Is Always On VPN only for Windows 10?

Always On VPN is a Windows 10-only solution. However, unlike DirectAccess, client devices do not have to run the Enterprise edition to take advantage of it. Windows 10 Professional, along with all other SKUs, are now supported clients. Devices can be joined to an Active Directory domain, but this is not strictly required.

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How Does Always on Vpn Work?

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Always On VPN is a solution that allows a client to automatically establish a VPN connection without any user interaction. The technology that makes this possible is the VPNv2 CSP node, which is built into Windows 10. This CSP (configuration service provider) allows the built-in Windows 10 VPN client to be configured usin…
See more on configjon.com

Vpn Protocols

  • Always On VPN utilizes familiar VPN infrastructure, which means that it can also utilize familiar VPN protocols. There are two main protocols that make the most sense to use when working with Always On VPN.
See more on configjon.com

About This Guide

  • The goal of this series is to cover the deployment of a basic Always On VPN environment. This guide will assume the reader has existing knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services, Active Directory Certificate Services, DNS, and basic enterprise networking concepts. This example deployment of Always On VPN will include: 1 VPN server running Windows Server 2019 with the …
See more on configjon.com

Additional Reading

  • This guide is for a basic deployment of Always On VPN. There are more advanced features that can be configured but will not be covered here. 1. Conditional Access 2. High Availability 3. Multi-factor authentication 4. Traffic Filtering Also, remember to check out the full Microsoft Documentation.
See more on configjon.com

How Does Always on Vpn Work?

Image
Always On VPN is a solution that allows a client to automatically establish a VPN connection without any user interaction. The technology that makes this possible is the VPNv2 CSP node, which is built into Windows 10. This CSP (configuration service provider) allows the built-in Windows 10 VPN client to be configured usin…
See more on blog.nowmicro.com

Vpn Protocols

  • Always On VPN utilizes familiar VPN infrastructure, which means that it can also utilize familiar VPN protocols. There are two main protocols that make the most sense to use when working with Always On VPN.
See more on blog.nowmicro.com

Profilexml

  • As I mentioned earlier, Always On VPN utilizes the built-in Windows 10 VPN client. This client is configured using the VPNv2 CSP node. Configuring the settings in the VPNv2 CSP node can be accomplished using an XML file. Once the XML file is created, it can be deployed to systems through Intune or through Configuration Manager using PowerShell. For more information on th…
See more on blog.nowmicro.com

Additional Reading

  • This post was a high-level look at the technology behind Always On VPN. For a detailed guide on creating a basic Always On VPN deployment, refer to the Microsoft Documentation. I would also recommend reading Richard Hicks’s blog. Additionally, Now Micro will be hosting a Tech Connect webinar on Always On VPN next month (May 2020). More details can be found on our Events Pa…
See more on blog.nowmicro.com

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