Configure a Windows PPTP VPN

One of the essential components of any Virtual Private Network(VPN) service is the protocol. There are lots of protocols, with totally different applications, which make the functioning of VPNs possible. PPTP protocol is one of them, and knowing how to configure a PPTP protocol with static VPN client IP addressing is a crucial step for secure communication between machines. In this IT Pro Challenge virtual lab, learners will explore various concepts of PPTP, such as how to configure a PPTP VPN with static VPN client IP addressing, how to install the Remote Access server role, and configure a client. Other guided challenges in this series are “Configure IPsec” and “Can You Secure Network Access?”.

Understand the Scenario

In this virtual lab, you are working as a system administrator for a company that uses servers that run Windows Server 2016. Your job responsibility is to make sure that remote users can connect securely to corporate networks over the internet. To achieve this, first, you will install the Routing and Remote Access server role. After that, you will configure a Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) virtual private network (VPN) server. Finally, you will configure a connection to a VPN server on a client workstation that runs Windows 10.

Understand your environment

In this hands-on lab environment, you will use a virtual machine that runs Microsoft Windows Server 2016. The virtual machine is configured as a domain controller for an Active Directory. You will also use a computer that runs Windows 10 and is connected to the Active Directory domain. Active Directory is a directory service of Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is installed in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of methods and settings. It provides various services that run on Windows Server to control permissions and access to networked resources.

Install the Remote Access Role

In this first section of the lab, you will first sign in to the virtual machine as an Administrator using the given password. Next, you will install the Remote Access server role and the DirectAccess and VPN (RAS) role service by using Server Manager or by using the Windows PowerShell Install-WindowsFeature cmdlet. After installing server roles, you will then allow the network access for the Administrator account and verify that you installed the Remote Access server role and the DirectAccess and VPN (RAS) role service. This will be done by using Active Directory Users and Computers.

Configure a PPTP VPN server

In this second section of the virtual lab, you will enable the PPTP VPN server by using the Custom configuration option in Routing and Remote Access. The PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is a networking type for connecting to virtual private networks. VPNs are private networks that use the internet to connect distant websites or users together. VPNs are protected and stable networks that can be accessed over the Internet, allowing users to access a network from a remote location. You will learn how to configure a static IPv4 address for VPNs and then check that the Routing and Remote Access Service is configured as a PPTP VPN server using a static IP address. You will accomplish this by using the Control Panel.

Configure a VPN client

In this section of the virtual lab, you will sign in to the client machine as an Administrator using the given password. You will then learn how to configure a VPN client connection that connects to the VPN server at the given IP address. This step is important because here you will learn and check how to connect the client machine to the PPTP VPN. Finally, you will learn how to use the Routing and Remote Access Server Setup Wizard to check your work.

Lab Summary Conclusion

After completing the “Configure a Windows PPTP VPN” virtual lab, you will have accomplished the following:

• Installed the Remote Access server role and the DirectAccess and VPN (RAS) role service.
• Configured a PPTP VPN using static IP addressing.
• Enabled network access for the Administrator account.
• Created a VPN client connection in Windows 10.

Whether you want an increase to your earning potential in your current job position, or you are looking to start a new career, this hands-on lab will provide you with the knowledge and skills that are required to succeed as an IT professional.