Microsoft Web Application Proxy (WAP) is a Windows Server role that provides a reverse proxy solution for publishing web applications securely over the internet. It is often used to enable remote access to web applications and services while maintaining security and access control. Here’s a detailed description of WAP, including prerequisites, features, and a step-by-step guide on how to configure it:
Prerequisites:
Before configuring WAP, ensure you have the following prerequisites:
- A Windows Server running Windows Server 2012 R2 or later with the Web Application Proxy role installed.
- A valid SSL certificate for the WAP server.
- A functional Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) infrastructure if you plan to use WAP with AD FS for claims-based authentication.
- The internal web applications or services you want to publish through WAP should be accessible from the WAP server.
Features and Functions:
- Reverse Proxy:
- WAP acts as a reverse proxy, allowing external users to access internal web applications and services without direct exposure to the internal network.
- Pre-authentication:
- WAP enforces pre-authentication, ensuring that users must authenticate before accessing published applications.
- Single Sign-On (SSO):
- When used in conjunction with AD FS, WAP provides SSO capabilities for web applications, improving user experience.
- Security:
- WAP provides security features such as SSL termination, authentication, and access control to protect published resources.
- Authentication Options:
- Supports various authentication methods, including forms-based authentication, Integrated Windows Authentication (IWA), and AD FS for claims-based authentication.
- Load Balancing:
- WAP supports load balancing for multiple backend servers, ensuring high availability and scalability.
- Content Publishing:
- Publish web applications, services, and web APIs securely to external users while controlling access and maintaining security.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configure Web Application Proxy:
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to configure Web Application Proxy:
Server Configuration:
- Install the Web Application Proxy Role:
- On your Windows Server, open Server Manager, add the Web Application Proxy role, and follow the installation wizard.
- Configure the SSL Certificate:
- Install a valid SSL certificate on the WAP server. Bind the certificate to the default website in IIS.
- Create Relying Party Trusts (If Using AD FS):
- If using AD FS for authentication, create relying party trusts for the applications you plan to publish.
WAP Configuration:
- Open the Web Application Proxy Configuration Wizard:
- In Server Manager, go to Remote Access and open the WAP Configuration Wizard.
- Provide Federation Service Name (AD FS URL):
- If using AD FS, specify the Federation Service Name (AD FS URL). This establishes a connection between WAP and AD FS.
- Select the SSL Certificate:
- Choose the SSL certificate you installed earlier.
- Configure AD FS Pre-authentication:
- Specify whether to use AD FS for pre-authentication or perform pre-authentication on WAP itself.
- Publish Applications:
- Add the internal web applications you want to publish. Specify the backend server, published URL, and authentication settings.
Access Control:
- Configure Access Control Rules:
- Create access control rules to specify which users or groups can access the published applications.
- Testing:
- Test access to the published applications from an external network. Ensure that authentication, pre-authentication, and access control are functioning as expected.
Once configured, Web Application Proxy allows secure access to internal web applications for external users while providing authentication and access control. It serves as a critical component for securely enabling remote access to applications and services in an organization.
