Overview of Remote Site Connectivity

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Many organizations have offices located in different geographical locations, requiring remote site connectivity. You can use the Windows Server 2003 Routing and Remote Access service to deploy a cost-effective and secure site-to-site solution.

Traditionally, organizations have used wide area network (WAN) site-to-site connection technologies, such as T-Carrier or Frame Relay, to connect remote sites across a private data network. However, these private lines are expensive. For example, the prices for T-Carrier services are based on both bandwidth and distance, which makes the connections relatively costly. In addition, T-Carrier typically requires a dedicated infrastructure, including a Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU) and line-specific routers at each end of the connection.

In contrast, you can integrate the Windows Server 2003 Routing and Remote Access service solution into your organization’s current network by using existing servers. With the site-to-site connections provided by the Routing and Remote Access service, you have two alternatives to conventional WAN links: a site-to-site dial-up connection or a site-to-site VPN connection. If you deploy a Routing and Remote Access solution to replace an existing WAN connection, or to implement a new connection, you can optimize cost savings by tailoring your connection type to your traffic volume. You can also customize security to fit your organization’s requirements.

Note

  • The Routing and Remote Access service can support both site-to-site connections between remote offices and remote access connections for individual computers. This chapter focuses on site-to-site connections.

Before you begin the design process to introduce a new site-to-site connection into your network, or modify an existing connection, inventory your existing hardware and software, and create or update a map of your current network. Updating your inventory and network configuration information facilitates both the design and the deployment phases. For a guide to conducting inventories and creating a network map, see "Planning for Deployment" in Planning, Testing, and Piloting Deployment Projects of this kit.

Note