Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)

With Routing and Remote Access (RRAS), a computer running Windows Server 2008 can function as a network router, which routes IP packets between networks. This router service allows LANs and WANs to be interconnected easily. The routing technology is built into the operating system, providing small and large businesses with a cost-effective and secure way of interconnecting their networks.

You install the Routing and Remote Access service by using the Add Roles Wizard. To install the Routing and Remote Access service, follow these steps:

1. In the Server Manager main window, under Roles Summary, click Add roles. Or if you use the Initial Configuration Tasks window, under Customize This Server, click Add roles.
2. In the Add Roles Wizard, click Next.
3. In the list of server roles, select Network Policy and Access Services. Click Next twice.
4. In the list of role services, select Routing and Remote Access Services to select all the role services. You can also select individual server roles. Click Next.
5. Proceed through the steps in the Add Roles Wizard to complete the installation.

After you complete the installation, the Routing and Remote Access service is installed in a disabled state. To enable the Routing and Remote Access service, follow these steps:

1. Open Routing and Remote Access.
2. By default, the local computer is listed as a server.
3. To add another server, in the console tree, right-click Server Status, and then click Add Server.
4. In the Add Server dialog box, click the applicable option, and then click OK.
5. In the console tree, right-click the server you want to enable, and then click Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access. Click Next.
6. Click Custom Configuration and click Next.
7. To enable LAN routing, select LAN routing and click Next.
8. Click the Finish button.

To enable LAN and WAN routing after Routing and Remote Access service has been enabled:

1. Open Routing and Remote Access.
2. Right-click the server name for which you want to enable routing and then click Properties.
3. On the General tab, select the appropriate IPv4 and IPv6 Router check boxes and select either Local Area Network (LAN) Routing Only or LAN and Demand-Dial Routing.
4. Click OK.