DirectAccess and VPNs Working Together

As shown in Figure 2, most organizations will use DirectAccess and VPNs side-by-side to provide remote access for all client computers. All client computers that are capable of connecting with DirectAccess should take advantage of this transparent, flexible, and highly secure remote access feature. Client computers that are not joined to the domain or that have not yet been upgraded to Windows 7 can continue to connect to the VPN. Additionally, remote offices that do not have a computer running Windows Server 2008 R2 to act as a DirectAccess server should provide remote access services by using a VPN.

Note

Windows Server 2008 R2 can also act as a DirectAccess client.

Figure 2   DirectAccess and VPNs working side-by-side