What is DirectAccess? - Definition from WhatIs.com

Once you’ve established the VPN connection in Windows 7, you can access the connection using either the Network and Sharing Center or the Wi-Fi icon in the notification area of the taskbar. Start→Control Panel→View Network Status. The Network and Sharing Center window opens. Click the Connect to a Network link. DirectAccess is an always on connection to our remote private network, regardless of where we are. Starting from Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, we can use DirectAccess feature. DirectAccess in Windows 7 uses IPv6 with IPsec VPN connection which is always on. DirectAccess is different from a VPN protocol. Windows 7 DirectAccess is being billed by Microsoft as the "great extender"--a next-generation access technology designed to connect remote clients in the age of the vanishing network perimeter. Microsoft has unveiled Direct Access for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008, remotely connecting users to their office as if they were right there.Establishing bi-directional connectivity with the user?s enterprise network, this solution keeps them connected to their office, forging a link each time the user?s computer ? provided it?s enabled by DirectAccess ? is connected to the internet. So last fall, Hawken started ­rolling out DirectAccess, a feature in Microsoft Windows 7 that offers seamless ­remote access to the school's network. Unlike a traditional virtual private network, users don't need to establish a connection; they're automatically connected when they're online.

Ditch Your VPN for DirectAccess - EnterpriseNetworking

What is the Difference Between DirectAccess and Always On VPN?

In the Network and Sharing Center (under Control Panel, Network and Internet), there is an option to …

Setup Direct Access on Windows 2012 (dynamic dns How about running Direct Access server on a "managed server" with a site to site VPN to your LAB ? or as I suggested, move to an ISP that allows inbound connectivity on ports below 1024. Are you are aware that the windows client needs to be Windows 8 Enterprise ?