Chapter 3: Installing and Configuring Microsoft ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition

Microsoft ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition introduces several new concepts, like the Configuration Storage Server (CSS) and Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM). A proper understanding of these new concepts is necessary for a successful deployment, and for this reason we felt a separate chapter should be dedicated to the installation and configuration of ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition. In this chapter, we provide best practices for properly installing ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition.

Before You Begin

As with any type of software installation, ensure you have adequately planned and reviewed a prerequisite checklist. Before installing ISA Server Enterprise Edition, be certain to read the product requirements from Chapter 1, "Microsoft ISA Server 2004 Administration Fundamentals," and the "Before You Begin" section in Chapter 2, "Installing and Configuring Microsoft ISA Server Standard Edition," a checklist to ensure, for example, that your server has all critical updates applied, proper TCP/IP settings and network adapter configurations set, and unnecessary services disabled.

• Network adapters If you wish to use the network load balancing feature of ISA Server Enterprise Edition, you will need at least one additional network adapter to support intra-array communication.

  Note 

  With Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and later, the requirement of a dedicated network adapter for intra-array communication is no longer necessary, but recommended for enhanced security.

• Deployment scenarios ISA Server Enterprise Edition can be installed in several scenarios, including workgroup, branch office, and in an Active Directory directory service domain. Prior to installing Enterprise Edition, sufficient planning is necessary to confirm your deployment strategy.

Note 

The ISA Server Guidance Web site has an entire section devoted to planning an ISA Server Enterprise Edition deployment at http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/guidance/2004/planning.asp.