DirectAccess in Windows Server 2016 at Microsoft Ignite 2016

I’m pleased to announce that I will be delivering a community theater session at this year’s Microsoft ignite conference in Atlanta, GA. The session, THR2136 in the session catalog, is scheduled for Thursday, September 29 at 12:40PM. This is a level 200 talk where I’ll be providing a high-level overview of all remote access technologies in Windows Server 2016, including DirectAccess, client-based VPN, and Web Application Proxy (WAP). I’ll be focusing on what’s new in each of these technologies and demonstrating how each solution applies in different use cases.

DirectAccess in Windows Server 2016 at Microsoft Ignite 2016

In addition to the session, I’ll be spending time with the folks from PointSharp and Pluralsight in their respective booths too, answering questions and providing demonstrations. I hope to have copies of my new DirectAccess book to sign as well. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for up-do-date details. Hope to see you at the conference!

IPv6 Recommend Reading for DirectAccess Administrators

IPv6 Recommended ReadingDirectAccess uses IPv6 exclusively for communication between the DirectAccess client and server. The DNS64 and NAT64 services running on the DirectAccess server allow the client to connect to IPv4-only resources on the corporate network. Although no IPv6 knowledge is necessary to implement DirectAccess, it is most certainly required to support it going forward. A fundamental understanding of IPv6 is vital when it comes to troubleshooting DirectAccess connectivity issues, so learning IPv6 is critically important for the DirectAccess administrator.

To help you learn more about IPv6, here are three essential resources I think you will find helpful!

Understanding IPv6 Practical IPv6 for Windows Administrators IPv6 Address Planning


Understanding IPv6
(Joe Davies) – This is an excellent reference for the IPv6 protocol and should be on every DirectAccess administrator’s desk. This book provides detailed documentation and explanations for the IPv6 protocol including IPv6 transition protocols, which are commonly used with DirectAccess.

Practical IPv6 for Windows Administrators (Ed Horley) – Another essential title for learning IPv6. This book focuses on the use of IPv6 for a variety of popular Windows workloads, including DirectAccess.

IPv6 Address Planning (Tom Coffeen) – This book is an optional read for DirectAccess administrators, but a recommended one still. There is no IPv6 address planning required to implement DirectAccess, as most commonly IPv6 addressing happens automatically. However, this book will help you understand IPv6 subnetting, which can be helpful for fully understanding DirectAccess.

If you prefer video training, be sure to check out this great course on Pluralsight from Ed Horley. Don’t be afraid of IPv6. Embrace it! Start learning IPv6 today!

New Pluralsight Windows Server 2012 R2 DirectAccess, VPN, and WAP Video Training Course

Pluralsight IT Pro and Developer TrainingI’m very excited to announce that my latest video training course is now available on Pluralsight! Recently I had the opportunity record a “Play-by-Play” session entitled Secure Remote Access with Windows Server 2012 R2. In this course I cover all aspects of the Unified Remote Access role in Windows Server 2012 R2 including DirectAccess, client-based remote access VPN, site-to-site VPN, and the Web Application Proxy (WAP). This training course differs from some of the other DirectAccess video training content I’ve developed in the past. This course is much less formal, and takes a casual, conversational approach to delivering the content. Many scenarios are presented and discussed, and of course there is plenty of practical demonstration as well. I think you’ll really like this unique format.

Pluralsight IT Pro and Developer Training

Pluralsight video training is available as a monthly subscription. If you don’t already have a Pluralsight account, you can sign up immediately and get a 10-day free trial. In addition to viewing my new course, be sure to browse their amazing video training course catalog. The amount and quality of content they have is astounding. You’ll find my DirectAccess with Windows Server 2012 R2 course there, along with many others. I’m confident you’ll find the service a tremendous value. Get started now!

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