Routing and Remote Access (RRAS) in Windows Server 2003

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

Best Practice (Litmus Test)

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 canconnect 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 submenus 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.

Guy’s Challenge – Download this free device backup utility

(CatTools)

Kiwi CatTools is a free program for backing up configuration settings on hardware devices.  Here is Guy’s challenge.  If you download CatTools, then it will not only take care of backups, but also it will show you something new about the hardware on you network. I could give you a money back guarantee – but CatTools is already free!  Thus, I just make a techie to techie challenge, you will learn more about your network if you:

Download your free Kiwi CatTools configuration backup tools

Litmus Tests

Guy’s Litmus test is a concept that you can apply anywhere.  Each test gives you an instant answer to the simple question:-  ‘Are you dealing with a professional, or are they an amateur?   Is this the real deal, or is it a turkey?’   The Litmus Test concept is rather like Best Practice, but it reduces a 27 page report to one sentence. 

Try another of my Litmus tests »

Learn about Windows Configuration

• Windows 8 New Features   • Eventlog Litmus Tests   •Windows 8 Install and Boot

• System State  •Windows 8 Overview  •Install   • No More Reboot 

• DNS DHCP  • RRAS  •Review of SolarWinds Config Generator