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Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

CITES > VPN

Introduction

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) systems are used to create a secure connection between one computer and another computer or network. The UIUCnet VPN system is designed to authenticate campus users of UIUCnet Wireless and Walkup networking, to improve security for wireless network users, and to provide off-campus users with a way to claim an on-campus identity in order to gain access to protected on-campus resources. When you have a VPN connection established, it's like you have a personal network cable running from your computer to an on-campus location, regardless of where you are or whether you're using physical cables at all.

The VPN system is both more complex and more powerful than the simple web-based UIUCnet QuickConnect system that UIUCnet Wireless and Walkup users can use as an alternative. Off-campus users cannot access QuickConnect and therefore need the VPN functionality to access UIUCnet as an authenticated and secured member of the community.

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Downloading and installing a VPN client

In order to get started using the VPN system to secure your network communications, you'll need to install client software on your computer.

• Downloads and Installation

This section is for regular campus users -- students, faculty, and staff -- with Network IDs. You'll choose the operating system of the computer that you'll use to connect and continue from there.

• Guest Accounts

This section is for campus guests who have temporary guest accounts provided by a department or conference.

• Frequently Asked Questions

The Wireless, VPN, and QuickConnect FAQs answer many common questions about both the campus VPN system and UIUCnet Wireless.

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More information about the VPN system

The information in these sections is for users who wish to understand the VPN network in more detail, including campus system and network administrators. You don't need this information to get started, but it will help you understand what you're doing and why.

• About Virtual Private Networking

This section includes information such as the benefits of using a VPN connection for both wireless and off-campus users, an explanation of profiles (including the special Library profile used by off-campus users), and overviews of VPN networking and VPN security.

• Information for Network Administrators

This section includes information about setting up guest accounts for campus visitors, more detailed technical information about creating custom profiles and working with third-party VPN clients, and manufacturers' documentation.