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What is a VPN?
VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network". A VPN is a secure Internet connection using encryption and tunneling protocols to create a safe connection, or tunnel, to a private network.
Why should I use VPN at Oberlin?
When your computer is connected to the Oberlin College VPN, all of your network traffic comes back to Oberlin College through a type of secure network "tunnel". The Oberlin College VPN is needed when accessing College network resources from off-campus, and when utilizing any (especially, secure or critical) network resources while on-campus using wireless connectivity.
It is extremely important to note that wireless network traffic is very insecure and should almost always be protected by using VPN. For example, we had a report of an individual using wireless at an Internet café, ordering items online, who subsequently discovered his credit card information had been stolen.
The Oberlin College VPN is used as a bridge to connect you into the Oberlin Campus network and should be used for cases such as those described below.
When do I use the VPN?
You do not need to use VPN all the time. You should, however, use VP when:
- Wireless and On-Campus: When you are using wireless while on campus and you need to use Oberlin College network resources such as Oberlin College printers, Banner, and Library Research Databases, or you are transmitting data that should remain secure (credit card info, bank account info, etc.).
- Off-Campus: When you are off-campus and need to get into the Oberlin College network and access resources such as the Oberlin College Library Databases, Banner, or other Oberlin College servers, you should use VPN. VPN is not a service to provide Internet access. You will still need to use your own personal Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Cable Co-op or DSL to access the Internet. VPN will then provide you the access into Oberlin College network resources.
Where do I get VPN software?
Downloads and installation instructions for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux are available here on CIT's website. A profile for the iPhone/iPod will be there soon. If you have difficulty installing the software, or aren't sure how to use it, please call the CIT Help Desk (ext. 58197) for further assistance.
If your VPN Connection drops
If your connection drops because your computer goes into sleep mode or if your connection times out due to inactivity (usually after 1 hour), just disconnect and re-connect the VPN connection to restore functionality.
I had VPN before...
If you had an earlier version of VPN installed before downloading the new Cisco VPN client, you need to uninstall the current version before upgrading. For Windows, simply remove the old VPN client using the "Add or Remove Programs" control panel. If this does not work, call the CIT Help Desk for assistance.
For Mac OS 10.X, simply install the new version on top of the current installation. The old installation will be removed as part of the install process. If you need to uninstall VPN for the Macintosh, the instructions are available from Cisco.
Printing to a Home Networked Printer while on VPN
If you are connected to VPN, you will not be able to see locally networked printers if you are using VPN from off campus.
When shouldn't I use the VPN?
VPN will not work using AOL, MSN, Compuserve, NetZero, BlueLight, or Juno Internet Service Providers. If you are using dial-up and VPN together, your overall connection speed will be almost halved.
The Cisco VPN client for the Macintosh is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless UM150 USB Modem.
