How To Install VPN Software

Information Resources is pleased to offer Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to all students, faculty, and staff at UTD. Our VPN service is based on Cisco products and consists of hardware servers on our network connecting to software clients installed on individual computers. The results are secure, encrypted communications between client computers and the UTD network. Only the IR-provided Cisco VPN clients are supported at this time.

In order to use the VPN service, you must first download an appropriate VPN client from IR's secure website. IR also provides "profiles" which contain all of the necessary information to connect the client to our server. After installing the client and importing the proper profile, the VPN client will be able to connect to the server and you will be prompted to authenticate to the UTD network using your NETID and password. This will allow a secure VPN tunnel to be established after which your connection is secure and you will be effectively a part of the UTD network.

There are two main profiles being provided initially, one for Remote Users coming from off-campus via dialup, cable modem, or DSL, and one for on-campus wireless users. The two profiles are not interchangable and will not work except in the stated respective environments.

Please note: in order to connect to the University Library Database you must not use VPN. A regular connection is all that is needed in order to access the library’s resource.

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure

Connecting

• Using an Internet Browser (e.g., Netscape, Internet Explorer), go to UTD's VPN Download Site.
• If prompted for certificate acceptance, continue to click "Next" and finally "Finish" until you reach the login page.
• If you receive an error or "Document contains no data" message, click on the link again - you should now get the "VPN Registration and Downloads" page.

Authenticating

• Log in to the system using your NETID (UNIX username/password).
• Read the service agreement, and click "I accept" to continue.
• If you receive an error, click "LOGOUT" and repeat the previous two steps.

Downloading

• Download the appropriate Client for your machine/OS. NB: Windows (XP/2000/98/95) clients proceed to INSTALLING from here.
• Download the appropriate Profile for user usage:
• UTD-ISP for remote user/off-Campus access;
• UTD-Wireless for on-Campus wireless access.
• Download any desired Documentation for installation.
• Click "LOGOUT" after all downloads are completed.