Remote Access Method

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Remote access allows remote client computers to connect to your Windows Small Business Server network and use resources as if connected locally.

Click Enable remote access if your remote client computers will connect to your server over the Internet. Click Disable remote access if you no longer want to allow remote remote client computers to connect to your Windows Small Business Server network.

Option Description

VPN access

Specifies whether to enable remote client computers to connect securely to your local network over the Internet. Users will first connect to their local Internet service provider (ISP), and then securely connect to your server using special TCP/IP-based protocols, called tunneling protocols, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Virtual private network

Note

  • If you use a local router to connect to the Internet, you may need to allow the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) port to pass through the firewall. For more information, see your router manufacturer's documentation.

Dial-in access (requires a modem)

Specifies whether to enable remote client computers to connect to your local network using a dial-in connection over a phone line to a modem on your server, as in Figure 2.

Notes

  • It is recommended that you use a different modem for dial-in access than the one used for either your Fax Service or dial-up Internet connection. Using the same modem for multiple services can cause conflicts.
  • This option is unavailable if a modem was not detected by the Remote Access Wizard.
  • It is recommended that you use a modem listed in the Windows Server Catalog at the Microsoft Web site:
    https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=4287

Figure 2 - Dial-in networking

Important

  • If you are using the firewall provided by the computer running Windows Small Business Server, the virtual private network (VPN) filter will be enabled to allow VPN traffic to pass through the firewall.
    If you are using a router to connect to the Internet that includes firewall functionality, check the manufacturer's documentation for details on how to allow VPN traffic to pass through the device.
  • When you enable remote access, the Remote Access Policy is configured to allow all users who are a member of the Mobile Users security group to have permissions to use remote access. Users who are not a member of the mobile users group cannot log on. For more information, click Start, click Help an Support, and then search for "mobile users."