VPN

Introduction

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) gives the user a secure connection to the OSU network.  Once the connection is established, the user will be connected to the OSU network through an encrypted tunnel.  Passwords and other sensitive information will be securely transmitted over the Internet and into the campus network.  Those logging into Exchange Servers, SciFinder Scholar, the Banner system, and other on-campus services should consider VPN.  Only traffic to and from OSU will be secure when using VPN.  Due to the limited number of VPN connections that can be made, please consider the alternatives first.

For more in-depth information, see OSU Secure Data Service (OSUSDS) homepage.

VPN can also be used to provide security for wireless users on the OSU Public Network. For information and step-by-step instructions on configuring VPN for the Public Network, see the VPN section of our Public Network FAQ page.

Getting Started

1. How to get authorized for VPN
2. Downloading and installing the VPN client program
3. Establishing a Connection

In order to connect through VPN users will need to determine their Group Access Information. This includes a group ID (name) and Password. These will vary depending on what you are using the service for and where you are connecting from. Most users will need an active ONID account. Please follow this link for help setting up your ONID account.

VPN users may join one or more of the following groups.

• Off-Campus (for Off-Campus Comcast-Cable/Qwest-DSL/other-ISP usage)
• On-Campus (for On-Campus Wireless Network wired/wireless usage only)
• SciFinder: Off-campus access to SciFinder Scholar that requires your ONID account. See the Valley Library's Instructions for Remote Access to SciFinder Scholar to get connected.

To acquire these group IDs and passwords, please follow this link: VPN Setup. This link requires entering your ONID username and password.

Installing the VPN Client

• Windows
• Macintosh OSX
• Linux
• Solaris
• Macintosh 8 and 9
• Palm OS and Pocket PC

*Mac 8 & 9, Palm, and Pocket PC clients are not available for download from OSU and will need to be purchased through a 3rd party vendor.

Establishing a Connection

The first time you run the VPN client, a profile will need to be created for your VPN connection to OSU. To create a new profile, click New... The first step is to name the profile. The name and description fields are arbitrary, but using "OSUSDS" or "Oregon State University VPN" is recommended. The next field will ask for a hostname. This needs to be sds.oregonstate.edu. The final step in setting up your profile is to enter the Group Access Information from section 1:

Once the profile is created, click Connect. You will be prompted for a username and password. Enter your ONID username and password. Upon successful authentication you will see a pop-up window from the Cisco Systems VPN Client. Click Continue to finalize the connection.

Connections will remain active for up to 6 hours, or 30 minutes of inactivity. If you wish to disconnect, open your VPN Client and click Disconnect.