Routing and Remote Access (RRAS) in Windows Server 2003

Have you tested what's new in Windows Server 2003 RRAS?

Best Practice (Litmus Test)

 

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Professionals: Investigate Routing and RAS

Amateurs:  Do not realise that RAS is installed by default

The fact that Routing and Remote Access is installed by default is an indication of its improved reliability.  While RRAS is installed on Server 2003 and Windows 2000 server, you still need to configure the settings.  There may be times when you need to connect two subnets, RRAS can be your static router.  Once you have run the wizard once, you can right click the server object and configure the properties.

See much more on RRAS here

Group policies are every where in Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000; they even extend to dial-up connections.  Use the power of the Group Policy to control users' settings when ever they logon.  One of the main benefits of switching the domain from mixed to native mode is that you can use group policies when users dial-in.

My Goal - To get you started with RRAS policies

1. Go to Start \ Programs \Administrative Tools \ Routing and Remote Access

2. Add Server (Local Computer)

3. Run the Wizard (Start with the VPN option if you want to practice)

4. Look for REMOTE ACCESS POLICIES (Start \Help if you are stuck)

N.B.  The default RRAS Policy is to Deny users access.  This a failsafe mechanism so that no-one can access the RAS server until the administrator has configured the server (or knows what they are doing!).

N.B.  To get the most out of your RRAS Policy and Profiles, your domain needs to be in NATIVE mode.

Each Policy has a PROFILE tab this is where you configure how long users can connect to the server, which protocols they use and much more besides.

The Routing side of RRAS

Windows 2000 or Server 2003 servers can act as a software router.  Naturally you need at least two network cards.  Check out the Routing by going to RRAS \ <Server Name> \IP Routing \General and then right click and add the Interface or Routing protocol that you need.

This RRAS console has menus with sub menus so there are many features to evaluate e.g. OSPF, L2TP, NAT.

RAS and DHCP Relay Agent

The Relay Agent is now found inside the \IP Routing \General tab of RRAS, if you are going to set up RRAS you either need to configure a separate scope of IP addresses or else use a DHCP Relay Agent to point to the real DHCP server.

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Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Admin

Train Signal have an excellent Windows Server 2008 course.  You get over 70 hrs instruction with Ed Liberman and Ben "Coach" Culbertson.  Try their step-by-step videos and master Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Admin.

The package includes the Transcender exams, which are the key to gaining the coverted Microsoft Certified IT Professional certification.  However, the course also builds practical experience so that you can manage your network effectively once you complete the course.

Watch a Demo of Train Signal's MCITP course

See more about Windows 8

• Install Windows 8  • When will Windows 8 Expire?  • Windows 8 Metro UI

• Windows 8 Task Manager

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