Network Policy Server

Network Policy Server (NPS) is the Microsoft implementation of a Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS) server and proxy in Windows Server 2008. NPS is the replacement for Internet Authentication Service (IAS) in Windows Server 2003.

As a RADIUS server, NPS performs centralized connection authentication, authorization, and accounting for many types of network access, including wireless and virtual private network (VPN) connections. As a RADIUS proxy, NPS forwards authentication and accounting messages to other RADIUS servers. NPS also acts as a health evaluation server for Network Access Protection (NAP).

Windows Server 2008 Product Documentation

• NPS Fast Facts
  

  Read this topic for a quick introduction to NPS in Windows Server 2008.

• Network Policy Server Operations Guide
  

  Read this guide for NPS administration and operation information.

• Best Practices for NPS
  

  Read this topic for NPS implementation and configuration best practices based on recommendations from Microsoft Customer Service and Support.

• Network Policy Server Infrastructure
  

  Learn about NPS events for RADIUS server, accounting, proxy, and NAP functions.

• Network Policy Server Technical Reference
  

  Learn deep technical information about NPS, including detailed discussions of protocols, processes, and policies.

• Network Policy Server in the Windows SDK
  

  Read these topics in the Windows SDK for NPS extensions, Server Data Objects, and SQL programmability.

Introductory Overviews

• Network Access Protection Policies in Windows Server 2008
  

  Read this white paper for a description of the different settings of NPS for NAP and how the different settings are related to create a customized health determination and enforcement solution.

• Network Policy Server
  

  This article from The Cable Guy describes the features and enhancements of NPS in Windows Server 2008.

NAP Step-by-Step Guides

• Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate IPsec NAP Enforcement in a Test Lab
  

  Follow the instructions in this white paper to configure NPS for the Internet Protocol security (IPsec) NAP enforcement method.

• Step By Step Guide: Demonstrate 802.1X NAP Enforcement in a Test Lab
  

  Follow the instructions in this white paper to configure NPS for the 802.1X NAP enforcement method.

• Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate VPN NAP Enforcement in a Test Lab
  

  Follow the instructions in this white paper to configure NPS for the virtual private network (VPN) NAP enforcement method.

• Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate DHCP NAP Enforcement in a Test Lab
  

  Follow the instructions in this white paper to configure NPS for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) NAP enforcement method.

• Configuring the TS Gateway NAP Scenario
  

  Follow these instructions to configure a Terminal Services (TS) Gateway server to use NAP health evaluation.