Windows7 Networking Features : DirectAccess

March 18, 2009, filed in: Windows7

Windows7 includes a number enhancements that enable home as well as IT users to get connected and stay connected regardless of their location. Windows7 networking enhancements also enable IT professionals to meet their business requirements in secure, reliable and flexible way. Lets have look into each of the Windows7 networking features.

DirectAccess

DirectAccess allows domain users to connect to enterprise network when they connect to internet, with direct access their is no need to use VPN connection for connecting to enterprise network. During access to network resources, a user connected to the Internet has virtually the same experience as if connected directly to an organization’s local area network (LAN). Furthermore, DirectAccess enables IT professionals to manage mobile computers outside of the office. Each time a domain member computer connects to the Internet, before the user logs on, DirectAccess establishes a bi-directional connection that enables the client computer to stay up to date with company policies and receive software updates.

DirectAccess includes authentication, encryption, and access control for security and performance. Administrators can also configure network resources in order to which user(s) are allowed to connect to the network and also limit the network resources means are user(s) allow to access full network resources or some limited resources are allowed.

DirectAccess also offers a feature that sends only the traffic destined for the enterprise network through the DirectAccess server. Other Internet traffic is routed through the Internet gateway that the client computer uses. This feature is optional, and DirectAccess can be configured to send all traffic through the enterprise network.

To use Windows7 DirectAccess, enterprise server must be running with Windows Server 2008 R2, must be belongs to at least one domain and two network adapters are installed. It is recommended that DirectAccess server are only used for DirectAccess and not to host some other application on the same server. Use the Add Features Wizard in Server Manager to install the DirectAccess Management console, which enables you to set up the DirectAccess server and monitor DirectAccess operations after setup.