HelpDesk

VPN FAQ

Home > HelpDesk > Technical Information > 

Where can I download the VPN client?

The VPN clients and installation instructions are available for download here

^ top

What is a VPN?

VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. A VPN provides an encrypted and secure connection "tunnel" from a user's machine to its destination through the public Internet.

^ top

Why would we want this?

Faculty, students and staff may now access their campus networked services from off campus just as if they were on campus. Campus networked resources include secure access to e-mail and networked file shares.

The VPN client software encrypts the data stream so that only the VPN server can understand it. This provides a method for secure communications, a feature especially relevant for wireless connections. Its use also allows your machine to appear to be connected directly into the university network, even though you're actually connecting through an ISP. This, in turn, permits access to restricted use sites and to university file and mail servers.

^ top

How does it work?

As shown in the diagram below, standard Internet connections go from your machine to your ISP, through the Internet and on to the site of your choice. At any point along the connection path, the data stream is open to interception and being read.

vpn

Using a VPN, as in the next diagram, the connection path runs through a "tunnel", isolating the data stream from the Internet while still remaining part of it. It connects to a VPN server which decrypts the data, provides authentication and acts as the gatekeeper to the campus network. Since the campus network sees the VPN server as the source of the communication, your connection is considered to be direct to the network rather than from the outside.

vpn

^ top

Do I always need to use the VPN?

The VPN isn't needed if you are using an on-campus connection or do not need to access campus resources.

^ top

Do I need anything special in order to use the VPN?

In order to download and use the VPN client software, you will need to have a valid University of Puget Sound Windows (PugetSound) username and password. This is to ensure that only members of the Puget Sound community can utilize this service.

Additionally, you will need a high speed Internet connection and a computer that meets university standards (operating system patch level) and current anti-virus product.

^ top

What platforms are supported?

There is supported VPN client software available for Windows XP and 2000, Mac OS X, and Linux. There are Windows pre-configured VPN clients for academic staff and faculty, administrative staff, and students.

^ top

What types of Internet connections are recommended to access the VPN?

A wired high-speed internet connection is recommended to access to the university's VPN.

^ top

What is the connection time limit for VPN sessions?

The maximum connection limit is 4 hours. Please sign off (disconnect from the VPN) to save network resources after you have completed your session.

^ top

What if it doesn't work?

  • Make sure you can access the Internet by going to any site (such as www.google.com).
  • When you launch the VPN client, make sure you are using your Windows (PugetSound) logon username and password.
  • Document the steps you have completed and any error messages you receive, and contact the HelpDesk for best effort support. We will advise you on troubleshooting steps and help you test connections from our on campus Click feed.

^ top

How do I connect to my network share using Windows XP?

Connecting to a Shared Network Drive from home (Windows XP)

  1. Connect to the VPN.
  2. From your Windows XP computer, right-click on My Computer on your desktop.
  3. Click Map Network Drive.
  4. In the drive field, choose a letter such as H:\.
  5. In the folder field, type the server you wish to access such as "merlin2" or "alexandria" and your username in this format: \\merlin2\jdoe
  6. Click on the Connect using a different username link. Enter your entire username, including the @ups.edu suffix, in the Username field. Enter your Windows (Pugetsound) domain password in the Password field.
  7. Click finish and it should connect you to your share on the network.

The drive is now mapped and you can access your network share. Click on the drive letter icon to access your network share under "My Computer." When you disconnect from the VPN or reboot, you will need to remap this drive.

^top

 How do I connect to my network share using Mac OSX?

Connecting to a Shared Network Drive from home (Mac OS X)

  1. Connect to the VPN.
  2. Click once anywhere on the desktop background until you see Finder in the top left of the screen. On the menu at the top, click Go and then Connect to Server.
  3. In the Server Address line type in the name of the server you wish to access in the following format: smb://servername.pugetsound.edu/subfolder
  1. For example, a staff member might type in something like this: smb://merlin2.pugetsound.edu/jdoe.
  2. A student or faculty member might type in something like this: smb://alexandria.pugetsound.edu/jdoe
  3. Hint:: If you want to save this server address for future quick access, click the + sign at the end of the line.  After you’ve typed the address, click Connect.
  1. In the Workgroup or Domain field, type pugetsound
  2. In the Name field, enter in your UPS domain login name.  Hint:  This is the same as the first part of your email address before the @ups.edu.
  3. In the Password field, type in your UPS email password.
  4. Click OK

After a short time, a new window will open to the network share where you can access files and folders. Also, a globe icon will appear on the desktop with the share name. When you have finished using the share, close the share window and drag the globe icon on your desktop to the Trash.  Note:  This just unmounts the share; it does not delete any files. Also, remember that you will need to reconnect to the share using the steps above if you disconnect from VPN or restart your system.

 

^ top