Exchange Server 2013 SP1 – Edge Role is Back – Part 1

Looking to upgrade from Exchange 2007 or 2010 and you want to deploy the Edge Role from 2013? Well, Microsoft has just released this role with Service Pack 1 for Exchange Server 2013. Although it is a bit different from the Exchange 2007 and 2010 version of the role. Previously, form RTM to CU3, this role was not available for installation. One key difference between the 2007/2010 versions and the one for 2013 is that the role now is entirely PowerShell configurable and there is no GUI or EAC equivalent for the management console.

Here is a quick review for those of you who haven’t read up and or used the Edge Role before:

• The only role from Exchange 2007+ that can be deployed in the DMZ.
• Minimizes the attack surface by handling all internet-facing email traffic.
• Provides an additional layer of security and filtering to protect against spam.
• Not a member of the domain and uses AD LDS to assist with recipient filtering.
  

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s go over what’s new in the Edge Transport Role.

(1) No GUI. PowerShell only.
(2) New services, PowerShell scripts and PowerShell Cmdlets.

The Exchange 2013 Edge Role has a reduced set of services compare to a CAS or MBX server role:

• Active Directory Web Services
• Microsoft Exchange ADAM
• Microsoft Exchange Anti-spam Update
• Microsoft Exchange Diagnostics
• Microsoft Exchange Credential Service
• Microsoft Exchange Health Manager
• Microsoft Exchange Service Host
• Microsoft Exchange Transport
• Microsoft Exchange Transport Log Search

These are also different that what Exchange 2010’s Edge role had as well:

• Microsoft Exchange ADAM
• Microsoft Exchange Credential Service
• Microsoft Exchange Monitoring
• Microsoft Exchange Service Host
• Microsoft Exchange Transport
• Microsoft Exchange Transport Log Search

Here is a list of the changed commands, click on the image for an Excel file with a list of the commands:


















Related Information
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124701(v=exchg.150).aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj150569(v=exchg.150).aspx

To Be Continued in part two