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Virtual Private Network (VPN) Information
online resources for network services

 

 
VPN Overview
Support and Information
VPN Software Downloads and Instructions

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  Network Engineering & Operations

 

VPN Support and Information

Who needs VPN?

  • Users who have a non-CU ISP, who need access to CU resources, like the library. VPN is not needed for secure services such as a CU e-mail account.
  • Users wanting secure access via the campus wireless network.

Who does not need VPN?

  • Users who do not need to connect to CU resources.
  • Users accessing e-mail through SSH or Authenticated SMTP.
  • Users browsing the internet or making file transfers from off campus sites.

NOTE: Downloading VPN Encryption software requires that you agree to specific US standards. You can find the agreement text for this software at www.colorado.edu/its/vpn/security.html.

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VPN Installation and Operation Information

To download the VPN clients, click here.

The VPN Dialer is placed in different locations depending on the OS version installed.

  • In Windows systems, click Start, Programs, CU VPN Client, CU VPN Dialer.
  • For Mac OS X, if an icon was not placed in the dock on your desktop, open your hard drive and then open the Applications folder. Double-click on the VPN Dialer icon to start the dialer.

Windows VPN Client Instructions

Macintosh OS X VPN Client Instructions

Troubleshooting Tips

ITS has developed troubleshooting tips to help you if you are having problems installing or connecting with the VPN.

Running the Installer Twice

After installing the software, DO NOT run the installer again. Attempting to do so will cause the software to be automatically uninstalled without asking, and will require users to run it a third time to re-install the program. If you do need to re-install the program, manually uninstall it first, then install it again.

Installation Problems

The VPN Client will not install properly on most machines that are running virus scanning utilities (such as Norton or CUantivirus) or on Windows machines running Internet Connection Sharing. Instructions for turning off virus scanning utilities is specific to the software.

VPN Connectivity Issues after Installing

The VPN Client will not function properly (or at all) with firewall software, other than the basic Windows XP firewall ,running. Likewise, it will not function properly with Internet Connection Sharing runing (if re-installed after removal). Make sure these are both disabled. While there are standard ports generally in use while the client is running, changes may require different port usage, so user specific firewall settings are not supported nor are any third party firewalls (i.e. BlackICE or Norton).

Getting Help

Help Docs
IT Service Center
(303) 735-HELP
help@colorado.edu

       
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Last reviewed: June 24, 2008

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