Configure Windows Server 2003 to act as a router

by Scott Lowe MCSE | Aug 30, 2005 7:13:00 PM

Tags: Servers, Routers & switches, Network technology, Scott Lowe MCSE, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server, router, Microsoft Windows, wizard, remote access, Windows Server 2003 Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: Using the Routing And Remote Access Services (RRAS) component, you can configure your Windows Server 2003 system to act as a router. In this Windows Server 2003 tip, Scott Lowe tells you how.

Windows Server 2003 can do much more than just file sharing and Web site hosting. Using the Routing And Remote Access Services (RRAS) component, you can configure your Windows Server 2003 system to act as a router. For this to work, you need to have multiple network adapters on different subnets.

To set this up, follow these steps:

1. Start RRAS by going to Start | All Programs | Administrative Tools | Routing And Remote Access.
2. Locate the server in the left-hand pane, and right-click it.
3. Select Configure And Enable Routing And Remote Access from the shortcut menu. This launches a wizard.
4. On the first step of the wizard, select Custom Configuration, and click Next.
5. On the Custom Configuration page in the wizard, select the LAN Routing option.
6. Click Next, and click Finish.

In the RRAS window, right-click the server, and select Properties. On the General tab, you'll see the Enable This Computer As A Router option selected, along with the Perform LAN Routing Only option. On the IP tab, you'll see the Enable IP Routing option selected.

Depending on your network topology, you may need to reconfigure your clients to use this server as their default router.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

system sarp@... | 08/31/05

This is SUCH a BAD IDEA!! bill@... | 08/31/05

Situations of use Dirt Burner | 08/31/05

Just Use Linux prepostra@... | 09/01/05

Exactly my point bill@... | 09/01/05

Not worth the risk Schuylkill | 09/01/05

Don't Do It!!! jasong224@... | 09/01/05

Better tools... frob | 09/10/05

Good for a home server. Lack of details.... leossignupaccount@... | 03/11/09

test environment yharjadi@... | 08/02/06

Not for regular use, but OK for emergencies edharris@... | 09/22/06

RE: Configure Windows Server 2003 to act as a router nitu_besaria@... | 09/12/07

RE: Configure Windows Server 2003 to act as a router bluemanoj@... | 03/30/09

RE: Configure Windows Server 2003 to act as a router iam4u3@... | 07/31/09