Difference between revisions of "VPN"

From WSU Technology Knowledge Base
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(100 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{TOC_Float_Right}}
 
{{TOC_Float_Right}}
==About this Article==
+
{{Revision}}
'''VPN''' stands for Virtual Private Network. It is used to connect to the WSU network when you are off-campus. '''Students''' and '''Employees''' can use this software.  It can only be run on the WSU provided laptops.
+
Our '''VPN''' or virtual private network gives {{WSU}} Information Technology Services a secure way to provide students and employees access to specific systems and services that are normally only available from on campus. restricted connection is a secure way to allow their . 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.  
  
==Cisco AnyConnect VPN client==
+
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).  
Using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client software, you can connect a [[WSU]] laptop to the WSU [[network]] from off campus. This software is already installed on all WSU laptops.  A VPN connection enables you to access select network resources as if you were on campus connected to our network directly. The data is encrypted to preserve security. This includes:
 
  
*Network storage drives (e.g., personal, class, departmental) Note: See instructions below to Map Network Drives
+
'''It is unnecessary to leave WSU VPN connected at all times unless you're actively performing work or class tasks while off campus.'''
*KeyServer applications (e.g., [[Adobe Photoshop]], [[Adobe Acrobat]]) These applications will require VPN to run off campus.
 
  
==Find the Cisco AnyConnect VPN software on Your WSU Laptop==
+
==What is Cisco AnyConnect VPN?==
===On a PC (Windows 8.1)===
+
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:  
* From the Windows Start Screen
 
* Use the Cisco AnyConnect Tile under the Utilities section
 
[[File:Utilities.png|300px]]
 
* Choose Connect in the menu below:
 
[[File:CiscoAnyConnect.png|300px]]
 
* Use your full WSU email address when prompted to login
 
  
===On a PC (Windows 7)===
+
*Certain WSU-specific web applications that may not work from off-campus.
Go to your Start Menu, and search for "Cisco" in the search bar. Run Cisco AnyConnect.
+
*Network storage drives (e.g., personal storage, class storage, departmental storage, "R drive," or "S drive" etc.)
  
===On a Mac===
+
==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.
  
* Go to Applications folder
+
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.
* Find the Cisco icon
 
* Use your full WSU email address when prompted to login
 
  
==Map Network Drives==
+
==Which VPN connection do I use?==
If you want to connect to Personal Network or Department Network drives from off-campus, you will need to VPN and Map Network drives to access them.   
+
The Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client has a different VPN connection for students and one for employeesType in '''tunnel.winona.edu''' if you are a student and '''ot.winona.edu''' if you are an employee. Employees will need to have Microsoft Authenticator also installed.   
* First Use instructions above to VPN
 
'''Windows 8 PC'''
 
* Go to Start Screen and select the Tile '''Map Network Drive'''
 
* A script window will appear and your drives will be mapped
 
* Go to This PC to see the network drives mapped.   
 
 
 
'''Mac'''
 
* Mac users connect to one of the network locations listed in the Fig 1.
 
* Will find an drive in the Finder window
 
 
 
[[File:Network drives mac.jpg|frame|left|Fig 1. Typical list of network connections on a MacBook]]
 
  
 +
* [[Virtual private network for employees|Instructions for the employee VPN connection]] 
 +
* [https://learn.winona.edu/VPN_for_Students Instructions for student VPN connection]
  
 
==Related information==
 
==Related information==
  
*[[Receiving your laptop and tablet]]
+
*[[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]]
+
*[[Virtual private network for employees|VPN for Employees]]
*[[PC laptop backup FAQ]]
+
*[[VPN for Students]]
*[[E-Warrior Digital Life and Learning Program]]
 
  
[[Category:Definition]][[Category:Network]][[Category:PC]][[Category:Laptop Exchange]][[Category:Backup]]
+
[[Category:Security]][[Category:MFA]][[Category:2FA]][[Category:Multi-Factor Authentication]][[Category:Keep Working]]

Revision as of 14:59, 18 March 2020

Caution.JPG REVISION IN PROGRESS: This article contains useful information, but is being revised to reflect recent updates. Direct questions to TLT (tlt@winona.edu).

Our VPN or virtual private network gives Winona State University Information Technology Services a secure way to provide students and employees access to specific systems and services that are normally only available from on campus. restricted connection is a secure way to allow their . 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?

The Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client has a different VPN connection for students and one for employees. Type in tunnel.winona.edu if you are a student and ot.winona.edu if you are an employee. Employees will need to have Microsoft Authenticator also installed.

Related information