Determining Hardware Requirements for Dial-up Networking

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

Use the following guidelines when determining hardware requirements for your dial-up networking design:

  • A dial-up remote access server must have a modem or a multiport adapter, and it must have access to an analog telephone line. Based on the maximum number of dial-up remote access clients that will dial in at one time, install modem bank equipment and phone lines that meet your organization’s needs.

  • Each server-side modem requires a serial port on the remote access server. For multiple modems (modem banks), use a multiport serial adapter or a high-density combination card. A multiport serial adapter can connect a large number of analog modems or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) modems to one remote access server. A high-density combination card combines multiple modems and serial adapters in one device.

  • For best performance, consider using intelligent communications adapters (multiport serial boards) to offload processing from the remote access server.