Plan a Remote Access Cluster Deployment

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

Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 combine DirectAccess and Remote Access Service (RAS) VPN into a single Remote Access role. This overview provides an introduction to the planning steps required in order to deploy a cluster of Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2012 Remote Access servers.

  • Plan an Advanced DirectAccess Deployment. This step includes planning for the infrastructure required to deploy a single server. It includes planning for network and server settings, certificate requirements, DNS settings, network location server deployment, DirectAccess management servers, Active Directory settings, and Group Policy Objects (GPOs).

  • Step 2 Plan Cluster Servers .

  • Step 3 Plan a Load-Balanced Cluster Deployment.

  • Step 4: Record your planning decisions for Remote Access advanced deployment. This record can be used as a job aid for everyone involved in completing the deployment steps.

After you have completed these planning steps, see Configure a Remote Access cluster.

For instructions on configuring a cluster deployment as a proof of concept in a lab environment, see Test Lab Guide - Demonstrate DirectAccess in a Cluster with Windows NLB.