Plan to Enable DirectAccess

Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016

Note: Windows Server 2012 combines DirectAccess and Remote Access Service (RAS) into a single Remote Access role. This section describes the planning steps that are required to deploy a single Remote Access server running Windows Server 2016 with basic features.

The planning phase includes the following steps:

  • Step 1: Plan DirectAccess infrastructure

    In this phase, you describe the planning that is required to set up the network infrastructure before you begin the Remote Access deployment. It includes planning for the network and server topology, certificates, Domain Name System (DNS), Active Directory and Group Policy Object (GPO) configuration, and the DirectAccess network location server.

  • Step 2: Plan DirectAccess deployment

    In this phase, you describe the planning steps that are required to prepare for the Remote Access deployment. It includes planning for Remote Access client computers, server and client authentication requirements, and infrastructure servers.