Home Computing with Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
Frequently Asked Questions
NEW: Using Cisco AnyConnect VPN
With WebVPN you can connect directly to the Wesleyan network through a web
browser. This solution is now available for Macintosh OSX, Linux and Windows
Vista users including the 64-bit architecture.
Go to
https://webvpn.wesleyan.edu
If your browser blocks pop-ups you may need to click on 'allow popups' at the
top of the screen to begin your WebVPN session. You will see a security warning
to this effect.
The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client screen will
display as it progresses through the installation.
Note: During the installation, you may be prompted to accept
security certificates more than once. You should allow these in order to
continue.
At the time of install, Windows may require the installation of an ActiveX
control. In addition, if you are using Internet Explorer, you may be prompted to
add
https://webvpn.wesleyan.edu to the list of trusted sites before
proceeding with the installation. On both Linux and Mac OSX, you will be
prompted for a local administrator password in order to proceed.
The first time you access this site, a program will download and install to your
computer. For future connections, you can either run the program directly from
your machine to connect or you can return to the webvpn.wesleyan.edu site and
connect. Either way, your machine will not need to install the client software
again.
When complete you will see a message indicating that your connection has been
established.
Enable Local LAN access
In order to continue to print to any network printers or have access to a
local network while you are connected via VPN, you need to enable local LAN
access. This is only needs to be set one time and it will stay enabled for
future connections.
For Windows PC and Linux:
From the AnyConnect Client screen in the application installed on your
computer, click the preferences button next to the connect window.
Under the preference, Check the Enable local LAN access option.
For Mac OSX:
Open the Cisco AnyConnect application. From the menu, select Cisco
AnyConnect, Preferences. The following window will appear.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a way of connecting a computer (or group of computers) in a remote location to the Wesleyan network in a secure (encrypted) and authenticated (password-protected) manner.
In view of recent virus and security threats, Wesleyan is making many of its systems more secure. This is done through a Firewall - a collection of hardware and software that checks all incoming network traffic from outside of Wesleyan and only allows certain types of data to pass through. Increasingly, fewer types of data are allowed through to reduce the threat of malicious attacks on our systems. However, legitimate members of the Wesleyan community need a safe and secure way to access these systems from home. VPN gives them this capability. It also makes all of their communications more secure since all data to and from the home computer is encrypted and cannot be 'sniffed' or captured by unscrupulous individuals.
The first factor is your location - If you are connecting to the Wesleyan network from your home computer or from other off-campus locations you may need VPN in order to access
certain Wesleyan computer systems. Also, campus locations which connect to the Wesleyan network over a DSL
or Cable Modem connection (such as the wood-frame houses) may also need VPN since our systems do not recognize these connections as part of the Wesleyan network.
The second factor is which computer system you need to access - VPN will be required for the following functions:
- Access to all Wesleyan Administrative Systems (SFIS, HR, Millennium, FRS, etc.)
- File sharing not performed via SFTP
- A Remote Control connection to a campus computer (XP Remote Control, PC Anywhere, VNC, etc.)
- Login to the Wesleyan Domain
- Access to security-restricted web pages
Please contact the Help Desk (x4000) or your Desktop Support Specialist if you have a question about access to a specific system.
- Wesleyan e-mail
- The Wesleyan home page, http://www.wesleyan.edu/
- Your e-Porfolio
- Other unrestricted Wesleyan web pages
- The Library systems
- Files stored Dragon or Condor via SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)
Although VPN is not required for these functions, using VPN will make your activities more secure. Please contact the Help Desk (x4000) or your Desktop Support Specialist if you have a question about a specific system.
VPN will work best over a DSL or Cable Modem connection, but it can also be used over a dial-up ISP connection. If you have DSL or a Cable Modem, you are always connected to the Internet and can launch the VPN software at any time. If you connect to an ISP over a standard dial-up modem, you would establish your dial-up connection to your ISP first, then launch the VPN software to connect to Wesleyan.
VPN is NOT required if you dial into the Wesleyan Modem Pool. When you dial into the Modem Pool you have a direct connection to the Wesleyan network, just as though you were on campus. However, this provides a relatively slow network connection which may not be adequate for many functions.
The VPN software works with Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Some home Anti-Virus and Firewall products, such as Norton Internet Security,
may block the install or VPN login causing it to fail. You can disable these
products when you are installing AnyConnect the first time. After installation,
you should enable your personal firewall to allow AnyConnect to run.
If you run into problems, the Help Desk (x4000) or your Desktop Support Specialist will be able to help you with basic questions. If you are unable to get VPN to work, we recommend that you bring your computer to the Wesleyan Computer Store where they can install and configure the software and test your connection. They also can offer advice and support for other aspects of Home Networking.
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