Is it possible to setup a DirectAccess link without the server? I have a small client with 2 machines that have 2 independent sites that one of the clients will be pulling a copy of the other machines user files. They would prefer to avoid an upgraded firewall or server. All the research I have seen suggests that DirectAccess without the server would work great for what they want. I could always port forward one port for a RDP connection but I would prefer not to go this route if at all possible. Has anyone seen something similar to this setup?Thanks a lot,Jon

Looks like the requirements are pretty clear...I would post to the Windows 2008 forums for further help...http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsserver2008r2networking/threadsThe following is from this link...http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd637797(WS.10).aspx DirectAccess Requirements DirectAccess requires the following: One or more DirectAccess servers running WindowsServer2008R2 with two network adapters: one that is connected directly to the Internet, and a second that is connected to the intranet. On the DirectAccess server, at least two consecutive, public IPv4 addresses assigned to the network adapter that is connected to the Internet. DirectAccess clients running Windows 7. At least one domain controller and Domain Name System (DNS) server running WindowsServer2008 SP2 or WindowsServer2008R2. A public key infrastructure (PKI) to issue computer certificates, smart card certificates, and, for NAP, health certificates. For more information, see Public Key Infrastructure on the Microsoft Web site. IPsec policies to specify protection for traffic. For more information, see IPsec on the Microsoft Web site. IPv6 transition technologies available for use on the DirectAccess server: ISATAP, Teredo, and 6to4. Optionally, a third-party NAT-PT device to provide access to IPv4-only resources for DirectAccess clients. You only choice may be to setup a VPN or SSH server on one of the machines you want remote file access from. MS-MVP Windows Desktop Experience, "When all else fails, read the instructions"

Hi Jon, To build DirectAccess, at least one Windows Server 2008 R2 is necessary to work as the DirectAccess Server. For your requirement, I think you can also try incoming VPN connection in windows 7: How to setup incoming VPN connection in windows 7 Hope this helps. Thanks. Nicholas Li - MSFT