ConfigMgr Console

Building a ConfigMgr Lab from Scratch: Step 2 – Gateway Virtual Machine (VM)

Topics: ConfigMgr Console

Building a ConfigMgr Lab from Scratch: Step 2

Setting up the Gateway Virtual Machine, a virtual router

If we have a lab and we want to keep it separate from rest of our environment, we need a gateway. You can do this with a Linux VM, another physical router, or several other options. For our lab, we decided to use Microsoft Windows Server to be our gateway. After setting this up, looking back, it would have been easier to setup the DC first, so I’d recommend doing that, then setting this up.

Gateway Server

  • Name: GATEWAY.dev.recastsoftware.com
  • LAN 1: DHCP (External Network)
  • LAN 2: Static IP (Internal Lab Network) 192.168.1.1
  • Windows Roles: RAS [MS Docs]

At this point, I’ve installed Windows Server 2019, set the Name, the IP Address, ran MS Updates and installed the RAS Role by running a PowerShell commands: 

Install-WindowsFeature DirectAccess-VPN -IncludeManagementTools

Install-WindowsFeature Routing

Once that finishes, you can go ahead and setup the “Router” feature.

Server Manager Remote Access

With Remote Access Highlighted, click “More” which will then launch the details and you can launch the wizard.

Configure Remote access

Deploy VPN Only Option.

Routing and Remote access

Routing and Remote Access will Open, right click on the computer name (GATEWAY) and choose “Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.”

Routing and Remote Access Server Server setup Wizard
Remte and Routing Access server Setup Wizard

Choose the “NAT” Option.

Routing and Remote Access Server setup Wizard

Pick the External NIC for your public interface.

Routing and remote Access server setup wizard

I’m choosing “Setup later” because these services will be on my DC.

Routing and Remote Access Server Setup Wizard
DC Virtual MAchine Connection

Nearly instantly my DC gained internet access by being able to use the router function on the gateway PC.

This is probably the easiest server you’ll be setting up. If you run into any issue, don’t worry, go ahead and setup the DC. Once you setup the DC, you need to remember to come back to the GATEWAY and join it to the domain.


Building a ConfigMgr Lab from Scratch Series

Series Introduction – Building a CM Lab from Scratch

  1. Setting up your Domain Controller
  2. Creating a Router for your Lab using Windows Server – You are Here
  3. Certificate Authority – On Domain Controller [Optional]
  4. ConfigMgr Server Pre-Reqs (Windows Features)
  5. Configuration Settings (AD & GPOs)
  6. Source Server (File Share)
  7. ConfigMgr SQL Install
  8. ConfigMgr Install
  9. ConfigMgr Basic Settings
  10. ConfigMgr Collections & App Deployment
  11. ConfigMgr OSD
  12. ConfigMgr Reporting Services
  13. Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) – Certs PreReq
  14. Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) – Azure Subscription
  15. Azure Services Connection
  16. Setting up CMG in the Console
  17. Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) – Post CMG Config
  18. Cloud Management Gateway – Client CMG Endpoints
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