The basics of VPN at IU

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A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to temporarily create or join a private network across an existing public network by creating an encrypted tunnel between two hosts. The tunnel allows you to transfer information securely and to access remote resources.

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VPN at IU

The VPN service at Indiana University serves two primary purposes:

It provides authentication and encryption when you use a home wireless network or the IU Wireless network at a regional campus. The VPN encrypts data you transmit wirelessly (e.g., passphrases, email messages) to prevent this information from being intercepted.
The IU VPN allows you to authenticate and act as part of the IU network when you're connected to an off-campus network, for example, when you're using a non-IU Internet service provider (ISP). When you use the IU VPN, you can access IP-restricted university resources and connect to network file servers. The VPN allows you to access library databases restricted to IU students, faculty, and staff, and also to access some of the software available on IUware Online.

Connecting

Note: When connecting from off campus, SSL VPN is the replacement for IU's IPsec- and PPTP-based VPN services, and UITS recommends using it now if your campus supports it. PPTP is retired at IU Bloomington and IUPUI, and IPsec VPN service at those campuses will be retired by fall 2010.

To connect to SSL VPN, see At IU, what is the SSL VPN service and how do I connect?

If you wish to configure an IPsec connection, or a PPTP connection at one of the regional campuses, see the appropriate document below.

Windows

Older protocols

For the older (non-SSL) VPN service, both IU Bloomington and IUPUI support the IPsec protocol. The regional campuses currently support PPTP VPN connections. VPN services at IUB and IUPUI support only the TCP/IP network protocol suite. This means you may not be able to access some services through the VPN that require other protocols such as IPX/SPX or AppleTalk. For example, you may not be able to map network drives to some network file servers while connected via VPN.

Additional information

Note: IU's VPN is intended for individual computing accounts only. Group and departmental accounts cannot access the VPN. See Why can't I make a VPN connection through an IU group or departmental account?

If you are authorized for VPN access at either IUB or IUPUI and need to use the wireless network at the other campus, you should be able to make a VPN connection to your home campus network without a separate account for VPN access at the other campus.

Note: Indiana University and Purdue University allow researchers and visitors wireless access to their own networks from each campus. For details, see Wireless access at Indiana University and Purdue University.

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Last modified on October 12, 2009.