VPN Setup with Windows 2012 R2 and Static Routing

Setting up a VPN on Windows Server 2012 R2 with static routing allows secure, direct connections between remote sites without complex dynamic routing protocols. This method answers the need for simplicity and stability when managing smaller networks or branch offices.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• Windows Server 2012 R2 installed and updated
• Two network interfaces (one for the local network, one for the external network)
• Administrator privileges
• IP addresses assigned for both LAN and WAN interfaces
• A clear network plan for static routes

Step 1: Install Remote Access Role

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation.
4. Select your server.
5. Under Roles, select Remote Access.
6. Expand Remote Access, select DirectAccess and VPN (RAS), and click Next.
7. Add required features if prompted.
8. Proceed through the wizard and install.

Step 2: Configure VPN with Routing and Remote Access

1. After installation, open Routing and Remote Access from Server Manager > Tools.
2. Right-click your server name and select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.
3. Choose Custom configuration.
4. Select VPN access and LAN routing.
5. Complete the wizard and start the service.

Step 3: Set Up VPN Properties

1. Right-click the server name and select Properties.
2. Under the General tab, ensure IPv4 Router is checked.
3. Go to the IPv4 tab and configure the Static address pool.
   • Click Add and define the IP range you want VPN clients to receive.
4. Under the Security tab, configure authentication methods like MS-CHAP v2 and set up RADIUS if needed.

Step 4: Configure Static Routing

Static routing ensures that remote VPN clients can access different network subnets reliably.

To add a static route:

1. Open Routing and Remote Access.
2. Expand IPv4 > Static Routes.
3. Right-click Static Routes and choose New Static Route.
4. Fill in:
   • Destination: Remote network IP (e.g., 192.168.2.0).
   • Network Mask: Usually 255.255.255.0.
   • Gateway: The next-hop router IP address reachable via the VPN.
   • Metric: Default is 1.
5. Click OK to save.

Step 5: Adjust Firewall Settings

To allow VPN traffic:

• Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
• Create inbound rules to allow:
  • PPTP (TCP 1723)
  • GRE Protocol (Protocol ID 47)
• If using L2TP/IPSec:
  • Allow UDP ports 500, 4500, and IP Protocol 50 (ESP).

Step 6: Configure Port Forwarding on Your Router

If your server is behind a NAT device:

• Forward necessary VPN ports to your server’s external IP address.
• Test VPN connectivity from an external network.

Step 7: Test and Verify

After setup:

• Connect to the VPN using a client device.
• Ensure you can reach internal resources.
• Ping servers across subnets to verify static routing works.
• Use tracert to confirm the path routes correctly through your VPN server.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

• Verify IP address assignment for VPN clients.
• Confirm static routes are properly configured.
• Check firewall rules for missed ports.
• Validate NAT device settings.

Setting up VPN access with static routes on Windows Server 2012 R2 offers a reliable, controllable solution for connecting remote users to internal networks. Proper planning and testing will ensure a seamless experience for users and administrators alike.