Always On VPN and DirectAccess Scripts and Sample Files on GitHub

Always On VPN and DirectAccess Scripts and Sample Files on GitHubIf you’re looking for specialized configuration scripts for Windows 10 Always On VPN, Windows Server Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), or DirectAccess then have a look at my GitHub page! There I’ve uploaded a few tools I’ve created (with the help of my good friend Jeff Hicks!) along with some sample ProfileXML files. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there today.

Always On VPN

This repository includes PowerShell scripts and sample ProfileXML files used for configuring Windows 10 Always On VPN. These scripts have been adopted from those provided by Microsoft and modified to work with a separate XML file. These scripts can be used for local testing and for deploying Always On VPN connections using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). The ProfileXML files can be helpful for those administrators looking for real world configuration examples.

https://github.com/richardhicks/aovpn

SstpOffload

This repository includes a PowerShell script to enable TLS offload for Windows Server RRAS Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) VPN connections when the public SSL certificate can’t be installed on the RRAS server. TLS offload for SSTP can be enabled in scenarios where better security, performance, and scalability are desired.

https://github.com/richardhicks/sstpoffload

DirectAccess

This repository includes the PowerShell script Move-DaInboxAccountingDatabase which can be used to move the DirectAccess inbox accounting database files. The default location of the database files is on the C: drive, and many administrators have encountered disk space issues, especially in large scale deployments. This script will relocate the database files to the location of your choice.

https://github.com/richardhicks/directaccess

More to Come!

Be sure to check my GitHub site for more PowerShell script and sample files on a regular basis. Or better yet, give me a follow! I’ll be sure to post more as time goes on. In addition, I’ll be going through my older articles where I’ve provided PowerShell code samples and will include them in the repository too.

Standard Disclaimer

All the sample files and PowerShell scripts I’ve shared on GitHub are provided as-is. Although they’ve been thoroughly tested, I can’t be certain I’ve accommodated every deployment scenario. Please use caution when running these scripts on production machines.

Additional Information

Always On VPN Hands-On Training Classes 2019

Jeff Hicks’ Blog

DirectAccess IP-HTTPS Not Working Properly in Windows Server 2019

After installing and configuring DirectAccess in Windows Server 2019 you may encounter an error message indicating that IP-HTTPS is not working properly. Looking at the Operations Status overview in the Dashboard of the Remote Access Management console shows that the IP-HTTPS interface is in error.

DirectAccess IP-HTTPS Not Working Properly in Windows Server 2019

IP-HTTPS Route Error

Viewing the detailed Operations Status shows the following error message.

Error: The IP-HTTPS route does not have published property enabled.

DirectAccess IP-HTTPS Not Working Properly in Windows Server 2019

Missing Route

Looking at the routing table on the DirectAccess server reveals that a route to the client IPv6 prefix is indeed missing.

DirectAccess IP-HTTPS Not Working Properly in Windows Server 2019

Resolution

To resolve this error message, add the client IPv6 route to the DirectAccess server’s routing table and publish it. This is accomplished by running the following PowerShell commands on the DirectAccess server.

$IPv6prefix = (Get-RemoteAccess).ClientIPv6Prefix
New-NetRoute -AddressFamily IPv6 -DestinationPrefix $IPv6prefix -InterfaceAlias “Microsoft IP-HTTPS Platform Interface” -Publish Yes

Next, restart the Remote Access Management service (RaMgmtSvc) using the following PowerShell command.

Restart-Service RaMgmtSvc -PassThru

DirectAccess IP-HTTPS Not Working Properly in Windows Server 2019

Once complete, refresh the management console and the IP-HTTPS error message should be resolved and the operations status should state that it is now working properly.

DirectAccess IP-HTTPS Not Working Properly in Windows Server 2019

 

Additional Information

SSL Certificate Conisderations for DirectAccess IP-HTTPS

DirectAccess Expire IP-HTTPS Certificate and Error 0x800b0101

Comparing DirectAccess and NetMotion Mobility – Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand! Comparing DirectAccess and NetMotion Mobility free live webinar Thursday, November 29 at 10:00AM AEDT. Register here!

DirectAccess on Windows Server 2016 CoreFor many years, DirectAccess has been the gold standard for enterprise remote access. Its seamless and transparent operation improves productivity for mobile workers, and since it is always on, administrators enjoy improved visibility and management for their field-based assets.

As incredible as DirectAccess is, it is not without its limitations. For example, DirectAccess works only with Windows Enterprise edition clients that are joined to the domain. Professional Edition and non-domain joined machines are not supported. It also lacks many of the security features enterprise organizations require, such as device health checks and granular network access. In addition, DirectAccess communication is complex, with many different layers of encapsulation, authentication, and encryption. High protocol overhead can lead to poor performance over high latency or low bandwidth connections.

NetMotion Mobility as an Alternative to DirectAccessNetMotion Mobility is a secure remote access solution that is an excellent alternative to DirectAccess. It provides the same seamless, transparent, always on remote connectivity that DirectAccess provides, while at the same time offering much more in terms of features and capabilities. It supports a much broader range of clients, includes native Network Access Control (NAC) and application filtering, and offers enhanced performance.

To learn more about NetMotion Mobility, join me on Thursday, November 29 at 10:00AM AEDT (UTC +11) for a free live webinar with NetMotion. I’ll provide an overview of NetMotion Mobility and how it compares with DirectAccess. I’ll also demonstrate how it can help overcome some of the inherent limitations of DirectAccess too. Register today!

DirectAccess and NetMotion Mobility Webinar