VPN Overview

Introduction

Campus Computing is now providing remote access to the campus network through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN can be defined as a means of transferring information over a public network using secure methods. Our VPN client program creates a secure connection between your computer at home, or mobile location, and our campus network. While the VPN program is running, any data from your computer is sent securely through our "VPN Concentrator" device and into the campus network to the intended destination. Our VPN also allows your home computer to appear to be on the campus network, as if it were connected on campus. Faculty and staff will be able to retrieve files, connect to personal drives and access on-campus Web sites as if they were on campus.

In order to use our VPN, users will be required to run Cisco's Clean Access program. Clean Access will check to make sure you have the latest security updates for your Windows operating system and anti-virus software.

Our VPN is provided free of charge for active faculty and staff. However, when you no longer need access to the VPN, we encourage that you disconnect. Connections will automatically disconnect after 30 minutes if left open and idle.

System Requirements

Your home or mobile computer should be equipped with the following software and hardware requirements to properly install and use the VPN client software:

• High-speed Internet connection.
• Windows XP or Windows 7.
• 50 megabytes of free hard disk drive space.
• A minimum of 128 megabytes of system memory.
• Virus protection software
  

Symantec Endpoint Protection is provided as a free download for faculty, staff, and students of USF at the USF Security Web site.

Installing the VPN Software

If you need assistance from Campus Computing for downloading and installing the VPN Client software, please submit a service request by sending an email to helpdesk@usfsp.edu.

How it Works

1. Start the Cisco VPN software on your computer if it has not automatically started.
2. Click the Connect button and enter the username and password provided during your installation session with Campus Computing. This password will be different than your existing passwords for better data security.
3. Start the Cisco Clean Access software if it has not automatically started. Once Clean Access has scanned your machine you should recieve a successfully connected message. You can then access network resources.

The software will start the VPN connection and the Clean Access software will automatically check your machine for security requirements. If Clean Access approves the security status of your computer, access to the campus network will be granted. If not, temporary access will be available along with the reason for the connection failure and some suggestions for fixing it. The temporary access will allow your computer to communicate with Web sites that update your operating system, such as Microsoft Update, and antivirus software.

After successfully connecting to the VPN, users will be able to connect to personal drives and on-campus Web resources.

Support and Feedback

For more assistance VPN, or to comment and provide feedback, please submit a service request by sending an email to helpdesk@usfsp.edu.