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I have a Windows Server 2008 R2 Domain Controller. I can RDP, ping, and access the webserver while in the local area network on the LAN NIC. But I cannot RDP, ping, or access the webserver while outside the network.

If I restart the server, however, I can do all 3 for a small period of time (about 2-3 minutes). After that, the server no longer responds to any requests.

I have made sure that all the correct ports are open and have even tried turning of the firewall: no luck.

Why would requests from the WAN not work while requests from the LAN are?

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Actually, VPN connection requests to the WAN work, but nothing else. – Devin Oct 9 '12 at 0:19
Does your service provider have port blocking in place? My theory goes like this, you get a new IP address when you shut off/turn back on the server, and it takes a minute for the network to engage port blocking for the new address (by using an IDS). Trying to use multiple different ports over a short period of time (a few minutes) may look like a scan and cause the system to defend your server. Or I'm completely wrong and it's internet gremlins. – Everett Oct 9 '12 at 4:59
Another option would be DNS configuration issue, unless you're doing everything by IP address (you don't mention either one). – Everett Oct 9 '12 at 5:02
The server operates on our University's network and has a static IP. The server is re-installed every semester and this is the first time I have had an issue like this. Could be DNS, as active directory automatically configures a DNS server. I don't know a lot about DNS though, so that may very well be where my issue lies. – Devin Oct 9 '12 at 17:24

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Based on the conversation above I'd say check your DNS configuration.

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Can you expand upon your answer? – DragonLord Oct 10 '12 at 5:09
@DragonLord - Not without knowing Devin's entire DNS and Active Directory configuration. Note in the comments above I state that this symptom could be indicative of a DNS problem, and Devin mentions he's going to check it. – Everett Oct 10 '12 at 14:26
@Everett I'm not sure where to begin with the DNS server. I'm currently looking through some documentation on how to set up the DNS server and hoping that I find a bit of information or a step that I missed. – Devin Oct 10 '12 at 22:28

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