Windows 7 Direct Access is a feature that enables safe direct access to a network without using third party software.
What are its requirements and how do you set up this feature?
To configure DirectAccess (DA), you can see the answer provided by vzczc to see what is needed. Once you have the systems and infrastructure in place you need to do the following:
Configure your PKI environment
Configure DA clients
Configure DA server
The Network Location Server functionality is used by the DA clients to determine if they are on the intranet. Depending on the response (or non-response) of the Network Location Server, the DA client will institute the profiles and rules appropriate for DA or non-DA (intranet) access.
The Network Location Server can run on the DA server, it needs the web server role to function.
This feature does look to rock. Should see a decline in SSL VPN sales I would think...