IIS (Microsoft Windows Server) Configuration Guide

Introduction

This guide explains how to configure Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services) as a reverse proxy using the Application Request Routing (ARR) module. IIS with ARR allows you to forward incoming HTTP requests to one or more backend servers, providing benefits like load balancing, centralized traffic management, and security filtering.

Prerequisites

• Microsoft Windows Server with IIS installed.

• IIS URL Rewrite

  Download and install the URL Rewrite extension.

  URL Rewrite must be installed prior to ARR, as ARR depends on URL Rewrite.

• IIS Application Request Routing (ARR)

  Download and install the Application Request Routing extension.

  After installation, you should be able to see the Application Request Routine Cache and URL Rewrite features in the IIS manager.

Configuration Steps

1. Activate Proxy

-Open the IIS manager, select the server in the Connections pane, and then double click Application Request Routing Cache to open the feature.

In the Actions pane, click Server Proxy Settings.

On the Application Request Routing page, select Enable Proxy; and then in the Actions pane, click Apply. This enables ARR as a proxy at the server level.

2. Create a URL Rewrite Rule

To route incoming requests to the backend server:

1. In IIS Manager, select the site you want to configure.

2. Double-click "URL Rewrite".

   

3. In the Actions pane, click "Add Rules…".

4. Under Inbound Rules, choose "Reverse Proxy" and click OK.

Rule Configuration

Click OK in the Actions pane to save the rule.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully configured IIS with ARR as a reverse proxy. This setup allows you to forward requests transparently while retaining the ability to apply additional logic via rewrite rules or filters.

If you have any questions or feedback, please open a request on our Helpdesk.