How to Configure Routing & Remote Access in Server 2003

Windows Server 2003 comes with routing and remote access, allowing users various levels of connectivity while using the server. A user can configure routing and remote access to determine what type of connectivity other users have while using the computer. A user can set up dial-up connections, virtual private network connections, remote access for individual users and remote access for group policies.

Instructions

Dial-up Access

1. Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel." Double-click "Network Connections."

2. Select the "Create a new connection" option under "Network Tasks" and click "Next."

3. Click the "Connect to the network at my workplace" option and click "Next."

4. Enter a name for the connection on the "Connection Name" page and click "Next."

5. Enter the phone number for the remote access server in the "Phone Number" box under "Phone Number to Dial."

6. Select either "Anyone's use" to allow anyone access to this connection or "My use only" to allow only yourself access. Click "Finish."

Virtual Private Network Access

1. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Double-click "Network Connections."

2. Select "Create a new connection" under "Network Tasks" and click "Next."

3. Click "Connect to the network at my workplace," click "Next," then select the "Virtual Private Network connection" option and click "Next."

4. Click either "Do not dial the initial connection" if the computer is always connected to the Internet or "Automatically dial this initial connection" if it connects through an Internet Service Provider. Click "Next."

5. Enter in either the IP address or host name of the VPN server. Select either "Anyone's use" to allow all users access to this connection or "My use only" to allow only yourself to access. Click "Finish."

Allow Remote Access For Individual Users

1. Click "Start" and highlight "All Programs." Highlight "Administrative Tools" and select "Active Directory Users and Computers."

2. Scroll through the list of users that appears. Right-click the ones you want to grant access to and select "Properties." Select the "Dial-in" tab.

3. Click "Allow access," then click "OK."

Group Membership Access Rights

1. Create a group, making sure that all members have permission to create VPN connections.

2. Click "Start" and highlight "Administrative Tools." Select the "Routing and Remote Access" option.

3. Expand "Routing and Remote Access," then expand the server name. Click "Remote Access Policies."

4. Right-click the right pane and highlight the "New" option. Select "Remote Access Policy."

5. Click "Next," enter the policy name, then click "Next" again. Choose either VPN access or dial-up access and click "Next." Click "Add," enter in the group name and click "Next." Follow the onscreen instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• These methods work for both Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition.

References

• Microsoft Support: How To Set Up Routing and Remote Access for an Intranet in Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition and Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition