Difference between revisions of "VPN"

Revision as of 21:52, 4 September 2019

What is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Cisco AnyConnect VPN is pre-installed on your WSU laptop and can be used to connect to the WSU network when you are off-campus. This software is available to both students and employees.

WSU's VPN differs from commercial VPN solutions such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access VPN in that it does not offer advanced privacy for everyday browsing. Instead, WSU's VPN solution simply ensures a dedicated, secured, encrypted connection to the WSU network for access to work-based or class-based resources (such as network storage drives).

It is unnecessary to leave WSU VPN connected at all times unless you're actively performing work or class tasks while off campus.

What is Cisco AnyConnect VPN?

Using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client software, you can connect a WSU laptop to the WSU network from off-campus. The data sent over our VPN is encrypted to preserve security. This connection enables the same network access you have while on-campus. This includes:

Certain WSU-specific web applications that may not work from off-campus.
Network storage drives (e.g., personal storage, class storage, departmental storage, "R drive," or "S drive" etc.)

How do I use Cisco AnyConnect VPN?

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN software is pre-installed on your WSU laptop. Look for the Cisco folder in your Windows Start Menu or macOS Applications folder to get started. The Cisco AnyConnect VPN app can be found there.

VPN is not usually necessary on desktop computers that live on campus in offices. If your WSU desktop computer is unable to access specific network resources, please contact WSU Tech Support.

Which VPN connection do I use?

WSU offers two specific VPN connections: The tunnel.winona.edu VPN is for student access. The ot.winona.edu VPN is for employee access. OT stands for Other Tunnel.

Both VPN connections offer industry-standard security measures, they simply divide off resources from one another.

When using VPN, ensure you type in tunnel.winona.edu if you are a student and ot.winona.edu if you are an employee.

Related information

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{TOC_Float_Right}}
-==About this Article==
-'''VPN''' stands for Virtual Private Network. Cisco AnyConnect can be used to connect to the WSU network when you are off-campus. This software is available to both '''Students''' and '''Employees.'''
-==Cisco AnyConnect VPN client==
+==What is VPN?==
-Using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client software, you can connect a WSU laptop to the WSU [[network]] from off-campus. This connection enables the same network access you have while on-campus. The data is encrypted to preserve security. This includes:
+'''VPN''' stands for Virtual Private Network. Cisco AnyConnect VPN is pre-installed on your WSU laptop and can be used to connect to the WSU network when you are off-campus. This software is available to both students and employees.
-*Network storage drives (e.g., personal, class, departmental storage) Note: See instructions below to connect to these types of storage via the 'Map Network Drives' shortcut.
+WSU's VPN differs from commercial VPN solutions such as '''NordVPN,''' '''ExpressVPN,''' and '''Private Internet Access VPN''' in that it does not offer advanced privacy for everyday browsing. Instead, WSU's VPN solution simply ensures a dedicated, secured, encrypted connection to the WSU network for access to work-based or class-based resources (such as network storage drives).
-==Accessing the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Software==
+'''It is unnecessary to leave WSU VPN connected at all times unless you're actively performing work or class tasks while off campus.'''
-NOTE: You may see this error a couple times while trying to connect. Click on "Connect anyway".
-[[File:VPN_error.jpg|400 px]]
+==What is Cisco AnyConnect VPN?==
+Using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client software, you can connect a WSU laptop to the WSU network from off-campus. The data sent over our VPN is encrypted to preserve security. This connection enables the same network access you have while on-campus. This includes:
-===Windows 10===
+*Certain WSU-specific web applications that may not work from off-campus.
-* From the Windows Start Screen
+*Network storage drives (e.g., personal storage, class storage, departmental storage, "R drive," or "S drive" etc.)
-* Use the Search icon
-* Search for Cisco
-* Select 'Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client'
-* You will be prompted to Connect and login to WSU with your StarID and password.
-===Windows 8.1===
+==How do I use Cisco AnyConnect VPN?==
-* From the Windows Start Screen
+The Cisco AnyConnect VPN software is pre-installed on your WSU laptop. Look for the Cisco folder in your Windows Start Menu or macOS Applications folder to get started. The Cisco AnyConnect VPN app can be found there.
-* Search "Cisco"
-*Select "Cisco VPN Client"
-[[File:Password_5.png|300px]]
-* Choose Connect in the menu below:
-[[File:CiscoAnyConnect.png|300px]]
-* Use your StarID and password to login
-===macOS===
+VPN is not usually necessary on desktop computers that live on campus in offices. If your WSU '''desktop computer''' is unable to access specific network resources, please contact WSU Tech Support.
-* Click on Spotlight in the upper right corner
+==Which VPN connection do I use?==
-* Type in "Cisco"
+WSU offers two specific VPN connections: The '''tunnel.winona.edu''' VPN is for [https://learn.winona.edu/VPN_for_Students student access]. The '''ot.winona.edu''' VPN is for [https://learn.winona.edu/VPN_for_Employees employee access]. OT stands for Other Tunnel.
-* Select "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client"
-[[File:VPN_Mac_Cisco_Search.png|400px]]
-* Connect to Tunnel.winona.edu
+Both VPN connections offer industry-standard security measures, they simply divide off resources from one another.
-[[File:VPN_Mac_Cisco_Connect.png|400px]]
-* Use your StarID and password when prompted to login
-[[File:ThisPCIcon.png|frame|Fig 1. In the start menu, click  this icon to go to your Network Drives.]]
+'''When using VPN, ensure you type in tunnel.winona.edu if you are a student and ot.winona.edu if you are an employee.'''
-=Map Network Drives=
-== '''Mapping network storage for Employees''' ==
-'''Windows 10'''
-You will need to manually map your Personal Network Storage also referred to as R: drive.
-* Open File Explorer from the Taskbar
-* Use the drop down arrow in the top menu for 'Map network drive' and select Map network drive
-* Type the following in Folder:  \\store\users\(your StarID)
-* Select 'Reconnect at sign-in'
-* Finish
-'''macOS'''
-* Use the Finder
-* Go
-* Connect to Server
-* Server address for Employees to get to personal storage:  smb://store.winona.edu/users/yourStarIDhere
-* Server address for Employees to get to department drive:  smb://store.winona.edu/department
-==Map Network Drives (Continued)==
-If you want to connect to Personal Network or Department Network drives from off-campus, you will need to connect to VPN before you can use the network drives.
-'''Windows 10'''
-* Open the Start Menu then select the '''Map Network Drives''' shortcut.
-* A black window will appear and map your drives. Do not close this window.
-* Double-click 'This PC' on your desktop to access your network drives (See Fig 1.)
-* Do not disconnect VPN or WiFi during use. Network access is required to maintain the VPN connection.
-[[File:ConnectToServer.png|frame|Fig 2. Typical list of network connections on a MacBook]]
-'''macOS'''
-* In Finder, hold down '''<CommandKey>''' then hit the '''<K>''' key to bring up "Connect to Server"
-* Mac users connect to one of the network locations listed in Fig 2.
 ==Related information==
-*[[Receiving your laptop]]
+*[[Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client]]
-*[[Continue to set up your new HP Elitebook laptop]]
 *[[Local network storage]]
-*[[PC laptop backup|Backing up your PC laptop]]
+*[[VPN for Employees]]
+*[[VPN for Students]]
+*[[Installing VPN]]
-[[Category:Definition]][[Category:Network]][[Category:PC]][[Category:Laptop Exchange]][[Category:Backup]][[Category:Update]]
+[[Category:Security]][[Category:MFA]][[Category:2FA]][[Category:Multi-Factor Authentication]]