Microsoft Always On VPN is a secure connection solution that allows users to connect to their organizational network whenever their Windows device is connected to the internet, automatically and without user intervention.
This type of VPN connection is designed to be persistent, meaning it establishes and maintains the connection as soon as the device is online, ensuring users have constant access to internal resources. Unlike traditional VPNs that users manually initiate, Always On VPN provides a seamless and continuous connection experience.
Key Features and Benefits
Always On VPN offers several advantages for organizations looking to provide secure and reliable network access to their employees, especially those working remotely or on the go.
Benefits of Always On VPN:
- Automatic Connectivity: Connects automatically when the device is online, eliminating the need for users to remember to start the VPN.
- Seamless Experience: Provides continuous access to internal network resources, improving productivity.
- Enhanced Security: Helps protect data in transit by encrypting traffic.
- Integration Capabilities: As stated in the reference, Always On VPN enables the integration of Windows operating systems and third-party solutions to create advanced scenarios. This means it works well within the Windows ecosystem and can be combined with other security or management tools.
- Fine-Grained Control: The reference also notes that it maintains network security by limiting connections based on traffic types, applications, and authentication methods. This allows administrators to define granular access policies.
How It Works
Always On VPN relies on the Windows VPN platform and can be configured using various tunneling protocols like IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and SSTP. It supports different authentication methods, including certificate-based authentication, which is often used for device tunnel connections.
There are typically two types of Always On VPN connections:
- Device Tunnel: Connects before a user logs in, allowing for device management and policy application even when no user is signed in. This tunnel is established via the computer account.
- User Tunnel: Connects after a user logs in, providing access to resources based on the user's identity and permissions. This tunnel is established via the user account.
Administrators configure Always On VPN using tools like Microsoft Intune, Configuration Manager, or Group Policy, defining connection settings, routing information, and security policies.
Practical Applications
Always On VPN is particularly useful for:
- Ensuring remote workers always have secure access to corporate file shares, applications, and intranets.
- Allowing IT departments to manage and patch devices even when they are off-site.
- Implementing security policies that require all network traffic from managed devices to pass through the corporate network.
- Supporting advanced scenarios through its integration capabilities with Windows and third-party solutions.
By providing a persistent and secure connection, Microsoft Always On VPN simplifies remote access management and enhances the security posture for organizations with a mobile workforce.
