All posts in category Windows Server 2012

Microsoft Intune Learning Resources for Always On VPN Administrators

Note: This post has been updated and republished to reflect the return to the Microsoft Intune product name and to include updated learning resources for Always On VPN administrators.

Microsoft Intune is the recommended solution for deploying and managing Windows Always On VPN client configuration settings. Always On VPN is designed for Mobile Device Management (MDM), with configuration settings deployed specifically to the VPNv2 Configuration Service Provider (CSP) interface.

Resources

Getting up to speed on all things MEM isn’t difficult at all. I’ve found the MEM community to be exceedingly helpful, and there are many available training resources in various formats from which to choose.

Books

The following is a list of Microsoft Endpoint Manager books Always On VPN administrators will find most helpful for learning about MEM.

Mastering Microsoft Intune by Christiaan Brinkhoff and Per Larsen

Learning Microsoft Intune by Scott Duffey

MDM: Fundamentals, Security, and the Modern Desktop by Jeremy Moskowitz

YouTube

The Intune Training channel on YouTube is an incredibly valuable resource for Always On VPN administrators learning MEM. Hosted by Steven Hosking, Adam Gross, and Ben Reader, there are countless videos covering important MEM configuration tasks.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight offers video training courses for a wide variety of IT-related topics. Recently I published the Implementing Always On VPN video training course. There are several Microsoft Endpoint Manager video training courses available as well. Pluralsight is available via subscription. You can sign up for a free trial here if you don’t have a subscription.

Conferences

The Midwest Management Summit (MMS) is the premier event for systems management professionals. Their annual conference takes place each spring in the U.S. (Minneapolis, MN). The event is the best place to learn about Microsoft Endpoint Manager and network with systems management professionals worldwide.

ViaMonstra Online Academy

I will be delivering the Mastering Certificates with Microsoft Intune training course at the ViaMonstra online training academy May 14-16, 2024. This three-day live, interactive training course provides a comprehensive deep dive into all aspects of deploying and managing digital certificates using Microsoft Intune. Microsoft Cloud PKI will also be covered. Space is limited, so register today!

Additional Resources

As a reminder, Microsoft Intune topics such as certificate deployment and Always On VPN profile deployment and management are covered in detail in both my Implementing Always On VPN book and the Implementing Always On VPN video training course on Pluralsight. 😁

Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 End of Life

I want to remind you of a critical upcoming milestone that may affect your business. In just 60 days, we will reach the end of support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. As of October 10, 2023, these operating systems will no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft.

End of Support

End of support means your servers will be more vulnerable to security risks and potential threats. It is essential to take action now to ensure your IT infrastructure’s continued security and stability. Upgrading to newer, supported operating systems will protect your data and systems from potential cyber threats and provide access to enhanced features and performance improvements.

Don’t Wait

Now is the time to migrate those remaining workloads for those still running Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2! Consider the following commonly deployed services that may still be running on Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 in your organization.

Remote Access – Windows Server Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) is commonly deployed to provide secure remote access for field-based workers. In addition, Absolute Secure Access (formerly NetMotion Mobility) is a widely implemented premium alternative to RRAS. Organizations may be hesitant to migrate these workloads because disrupting remote workers is painful.

DirectAccess – This remote access technology is widely deployed and extremely difficult to migrate. In addition, the complex nature of DirectAccess, with its many intricate interdependencies, poses a significant challenge to organizations migrating this role.

PKI – This is likely the most common enterprise service to be found running on Windows Server 2012 and 2012R2. Most organizations relying on Windows Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) to issue and manage enterprise certificates are reluctant to move this workload once it is deployed. This service is much easier to migrate than you might think! It can be done without disruption as well.

Consulting Services

We understand that upgrading might require careful planning and coordination, and our team is here to support you throughout the transition process. Don’t delay – take this opportunity to safeguard your organization’s data and systems by upgrading to the latest Windows Server version or exploring cloud-based solutions.

Get In Touch

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance or any questions regarding the upgrade process. Together, let’s ensure your business remains secure and productive. You can get started today by booking a free one-hour consultation to discuss your migration strategy. Just fill out the form below and I’ll provide more information.

Always On VPN RRAS Internal Interface Non-Operational

Windows 10 Always On VPN Routing Configuration

Always On VPN administrators troubleshooting connectivity issues may find the Internal network interface in the Routing and Remote Access management console (rrasmgmt.msc) administrative status indicates ‘Unknown’. They will also notice the Operational Status shows Non-operational.

Internal Interface

For clarification, the ‘Internal’ network interface in the Routing and Remote Access management console, as shown above, is not a physical network adapter on the server. Instead, it is a virtual network interface used only for incoming VPN connections.

Non-Operational

The Internal virtual network interface will not be created until the VPN server accepts its first VPN connection. Because of this, the Internal interface will have an operational status of non-operational until the first client attempts to connect. When this occurs, RRAS creates the interface, then assigns it the first IP address from the static IPv4 address pool. Alternatively, if DHCP is configured, it will assign the first IP address returned by the DHCP server.

Interface Names

While discussing network interfaces, I typically recommend renaming them in Windows to identify their function, especially when using two NIC configurations. However, be careful not to name the server’s internal network adapter ‘Internal’, as this can be confusing in the future. In my example above, I use the name ‘LAN’ to identify the internal adapter to distinguish it from the server’s ‘Internal’ virtual interface.

Additional Information

Windows Server RRAS Service Does Not Start

Windows Server RRAS Monitoring and Reporting

Microsoft Always On VPN and RRAS in Azure

Microsoft Always On VPN and RRAS with Signle NIC

Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc.

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All posts in category Windows Server 2012

Microsoft Intune Learning Resources for Always On VPN Administrators