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When and why should I use VPN
How does VPN work?
What VPN software can I use?
What operating systems are supported?
Can I use Linux VPN software?
Who can use VPN?
Where can I use VPN?
Does VPN offer virus protection?
How long can I stay connected with VPN?
I'm having trouble getting connected.
When I'm connected with VPN, everything is slower.
VPN isn't working with my satellite Internet service (for example, Hughes).
Can I use VPN with EZ-Remote?
When and why should I use VPN?
Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides secure, authenticated remote access to campus networks and services. This means you can access servers and others systems that require some security while you are off campus anywhere in the world. While connected through VPN, your computer will appear as any other on-campus computer. All network traffic between your system and campus is encrypted to protect it from electronic eavesdropping.
Use VPN when you need to connect to campus resources that would otherwise be unavailable on distant networks such as file servers and print services. VPN provides an added layer of security for some services (FTP, Webmail, etc). This is useful when you're working with a possibly untrustworthy network for example, in hotels or airports.
VPN transports any network service without special settings. File sharing, printing, remote desktop, SSH, FTP, telnet, and Web-based services have all been tested with VPN.
How does VPN work?
VPN authenticates your identity and affiliation with Cornell using your NetID and password, and then sends all your Cornell-related traffic through an encrypted "tunnel" to campus. Non-Cornell traffic follows your normal network path and does not enter the Cornell network. Campus resources will "see" your VPN-connected system as a computer on campus with an IP address in the range 128.84.32.0 to 128.84.35.255.
What VPN software can I use?
To use VPN with Cornell campus networks and services, you must use the Cornell Cisco VPN software. Built-in Windows and Mac OSX software don't work.
If you have used another VPN service, you must uninstall it before you install and use the Cornell Cisco VPN software.
For more information or to download and install the software, see the Installing VPN page.
What operating systems are supported?
- Windows 2000 and XP
- Windows Vista
- Mac OSX, version 10.4 or higher
To download the software, see the Installing VPN page.
Can I use Linux VPN software?
Linux users can use VPN software, but the Linux client is not supported by CIT. If you want information about using a Linux VPN client, go to the Linux VPNC page.
Who can use VPN?
Cornell faculty, staff, students, and affiliates with valid NetIDs can use VPN. If you need to use VPN and you don't fall into one of these categories (for example, you're a contractor), you may be eligible for a sponsored NetID. Contact the department you're working with for more information. Details about sponsored NetIDs are found on the NetID page.
Where can I use VPN?
You should be able to use VPN from any Internet-connected network, anywhere in the world.
Notes:
- If you are on campus, you can only use VPN with RedRover. (Not RedRover Secure). If you're on campus and get an error message, make sure you're using RedRover.
- VPN does not work with EZ-Remote.
Does VPN offer virus protection?
Not at present. While VPN provides considerable security against network eavesdropping, it does not offer security against other Internet threats. For information about protecting your computer from viruses and other attacks, see the CIT Security page.
How long can I stay connected with VPN?
VPN sessions are limited to 8 hours. After 8 hours, the connection closes automatically. To continue working, connect again. You'll need to enter your NetID and password again. There is no limit on how often you can connect through VPN. For connection instructions, see Connecting to Campus with VPN.
I'm having trouble getting connected.
If you can't connect to campus using VPN, try the following:
- Log into WebMail. From any browser: Start your browser, then navigate to webmail.cornell.edu. When prompted, enter your NetID and password.
- If you are able to log into WebMail, check to see if you've received a message saying your computer is quarantined. Then contact your technical support provider.
- If you are not able to log into WebMail, you may be using an incorrect password or you may be experiencing a service failure. Contact your technical support provider.
- If you are still having trouble getting connected to campus using VPN, contact your technical support provider. Please be able to provide the following information:
When I'm connected with VPN, everything is slower.
It's possible that you'll experience some system slowness when you're using VPN. If you think you're experiencing a serious speed issue (for example, your service is significantly worse than your regular internet service), contact your technical support provider. Please be able to provide your NetID, time you logged into VPN, your operating system, and your IP address. (To find your IP address, check http://myipaddress.com or http://www.whatismyipaddress.com.)
VPN isn't working with my satellite Internet service (for example, Hughes).
VPN is not supported on the lowest level package for some satellite Internet services, for example, Hughes. If you're using one of these services, you may have to upgrade to a higher package before you can use VPN. Contact your Internet Service Provider for more information.
Can I use VPN with EZ-Remote?
VPN does not work with EZ-Remote.
Quick Links
About VPN
Installing VPN
Connecting to Campus with VPN
VPN FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Testing VPN Before You Travel
Getting Help with VPN
Last updated: May 11, 2007
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