Virtual Private Network
What is Virtual Private Network?
Virtual Private Networking, or VPN for short, is a method of encrypting or scrambling all your network communications in an effort to provide security to our network and insure your privacy. In some instances, VPN is the method we use to control access to information and our network resources.
So, why are you making me install this VPN stuff, just to connect to the network?
There are two conditions in which it has become necessary for us to provide you with the additional security of the Virtual Private Network.
The first condition is the addition of the wireless component to our campus network. Unfortunately, wireless networks are not very secure. Unlike hard-wired networks, wireless signals go right through walls and fences. The VPN enables us to have the requisite security in our effort to protect the Franklin & Marshall community's sensitive data. With VPN, all traffic between you and the VPN server is scrambled, so no one else can see or access your personal emails, passwords, or data.
The second condition is the use of the Franklin & Marshall network from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The VPN enables us to have the requisite security to stop unauthorized use of our network. What it enables you to do from home is access the full complement of our Libraries' web services.
What differences will I notice when I'm using this VPN software on the wireless network?
Retrospect Remote will not work on the wireless network.
The wireless network is slower than the regular network.
What do I have to do to get it to work?
First you should make sure your computer complies with the minimum User Services Suggested Configuration:For OS X, version 10.2 or greater:300MHz (or greater) G3 processorFor PC:
10GB hard drive space
256MB of RAM
OR
Slot-Loading iMac
White iBook
Titanium Powerbook
G3 / G4 Tower
With 256MB of RAM
Note: Computing Services no longer supports VPN connections with OS X versions less than 10.2 or OS 9.Pentium -class processor or greater
10MB of free hard drive space
One of the following operating systems:Microsoft Windows 95 (OSR2)The following amount of RAM:
Windows 2000
Windows XP64 MB for Windows 2000
128 MB for Windows XP
Next you need to install the software.
OS X: Installing the VPN Private Network Client Software
OS X: Connecting with VPN Private Network Software
PC: Installing and Using VPN Private Network Software