Test Lab Guide: Demonstrate a DirectAccess Multisite Deployment

 

Applies To: Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8

Remote Access is a server role in the Windows Server® 2012 operating system that enables remote users to securely access internal network resources using DirectAccess or RRAS VPN. This guide contains step-by-step instructions for extending the Test Lab Guide: Demonstrate DirectAccess Single Server Setup with Mixed IPv4 and IPv6 to demonstrate Remote Access in a multisite scenario.

Deploying Remote Access in a multisite scenario enables you to configure Remote Access servers in geographically diverse locations. Previously, remote users were required to always connect to the corporate network through a particular DirectAccess server. With Windows Server 2012 and Windows® 8, you can configure entry points for each geographic location in your deployment. Each entry point can be a single Remote Access server or a cluster of Remote Access servers. Remote users have the option to connect to any of the organization’s Remote Access entry points. For example, if a remote user usually connects to the Remote Access entry point located in Asia, but then goes on a business trip to Europe, the client computer automatically connects to the closest Remote Access entry point.

About this guide

This guide contains instructions for configuring and demonstrating Remote Access using nine servers and three client computers. The completed Remote Access multisite test lab simulates an intranet, the Internet, and a home network and demonstrates Remote Access functionality in different Internet connection scenarios.

Important

This lab is a proof of concept using the minimum number of computers. The configuration detailed in this guide is for test lab purposes only, and is not to be used in a production environment.