DirectAccess uses IPv6 exclusively for communication between the DirectAccess client and server. The DNS64 and NAT64 services running on the DirectAccess server allow the client to connect to IPv4-only resources on the corporate network. Although no IPv6 knowledge is necessary to implement DirectAccess, it is most certainly required to support it going forward. A fundamental understanding of IPv6 is vital when it comes to troubleshooting DirectAccess connectivity issues, so learning IPv6 is critically important for the DirectAccess administrator.

To help you learn more about IPv6, here are three essential resources I think you will find helpful!

  

Understanding IPv6 (Joe Davies) – This is an excellent reference for the IPv6 protocol and should be on every DirectAccess administrator’s desk. This book provides detailed documentation and explanations for the IPv6 protocol including IPv6 transition protocols, which are commonly used with DirectAccess.

Practical IPv6 for Windows Administrators (Ed Horley) – Another essential title for learning IPv6. This book focuses on the use of IPv6 for a variety of popular Windows workloads, including DirectAccess.

IPv6 Address Planning (Tom Coffeen) – This book is an optional read for DirectAccess administrators, but a recommended one still. There is no IPv6 address planning required to implement DirectAccess, as most commonly IPv6 addressing happens automatically. However, this book will help you understand IPv6 subnetting, which can be helpful for fully understanding DirectAccess.

If you prefer video training, be sure to check out this great course on Pluralsight from Ed Horley. Don’t be afraid of IPv6. Embrace it! Start learning IPv6 today!