An Exchange Front-end server is the server that OWA clients (as well as other non-MAPI clients) connect to. Front-end (FE) servers are used to reduce the load on the Back-end (BE) servers among other things. Setting up an Exchange FE is a pretty straightforward task so let's get to it!

Exchange will install by default as a BE server. A BE server is really just a normal Exchange server that holds the databases and transaction logs for all the mailboxes and public folders in its Storage Groups. A FE server does not hold any of this data, it is merely a "gateway" to those resources on the BE servers.

To create a FE server, you need to install Exchange into the same Exchange organization as the back-end servers. Seeing as Exchange is already installed in the forest there is no need to run forestprep or domainprep. Once you have Exchange installed on the new server, open up Exchange System Manager (ESM) and drill down to Servers | ServerName. Right-click the server that will be the front-end server and selecct properties. Check the box next to This is a front-end server.

Next click Apply. You will be promted with a warning telling you that the changes won't take effect until you reboot, or restart the services and to configure SSL.

Now you don't have to configure SSL, but it is highly recommended that you do! Once you have rebooted the server will appear as a front-end server is ESM. Configure your OWA users to connect to this server to access their mailboxes.

For more information see: MSExchange.org - Demystifying the Exchange FE/BE Logon Process TheLazyadmin.com Exchange Category