Secure Off-Campus Access

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides users a secure, encrypted connection to UNL internal resources from anywhere.

 

VPN

 

What is a VPN?

from Wikipedia:

A virtual private network (VPN) is a network that uses primarily public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or traveling users access to a central organizational network. VPNs typically require remote users of the network to be authenticated, and often secure data with encryption technologies to prevent disclosure of private information to unauthorized parties. VPNs may serve any network functionality that is found on any network, such as sharing of data and access to network resources, printers, databases, websites, etc.

A VPN user typically experiences the central network in a manner that is identical to being connected directly to the central network. VPN technology via the public Internet has replaced the need to requisition and maintain expensive dedicated leased-line telecommunication circuits once typical in wide-area network installations.

 

Cisco's AnyConnect Secure Mobility VPN

UNL Information Services recommends and supports Cisco's AnyConnect Secure Mobility VPN. It is a VPN client that can be installed and launched from a web browser, and it works on a wide variety of operating systems and hardware configurations. The new Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility VPN client and service will work under Mac OS X (including 10.6 Snow Leopard), Windows (Vista and Windows 7, including 64-bit versions), and Linux.

Installation and startup are initiated via a web page that installs and launches a signed ActiveX or Java VPN client to connect to UNL's service quickly and easily. If for some reason neither the ActiveX or Java clients work, you will be given the option to manually download and install the software.

Once you have successfully connected to the UNL VPN on any given machine, you do not have to go to the website again. The VPN software is installed locally on your workstation. You can launch the UNL VPN from your applications folder or Start menu.

If you are interested in installing the UNL VPN client, please visit: https://vpn.unl.edu

 

Contact

If you have technical issues or questions about the VPN, please call the Computer Help Center at 472-3970
or send an e-mail to

mysupport@unl.edu

 

What should the VPN be used for?

Beginning February 29, users will be required to use the VPN in order to use remote desktop to connect to campus resources from any remote location. 

Anytime a user is off campus and would like to access resources on campus, the VPN should be used to provide a secure connection.  It is important to note, only network traffic destined for campus will be passed through the tunnel.  This means that normal internet traffic will not be part of the secure connection established by the VPN.

 

VPN needed for:
Access to SAP and SIS+
Access to file shares, network printers and full client email

Access to other resources behind a firewall, such as remote desktop or ssh. Please check with your department technical contact if you have issues with accessing these resources.
 

 

VPN Not Needed for:
Webmail Only
Access to Love Library resources, including academic journals: Click here for information on this from the Library.