VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) technology provides a tool to establish a secure connection through an otherwise unsecure or untrusted network, as well as extend certain protected network features of the local network to remote desktops. To facilitate advanced connections from off-campus (securely extend the network) as well as wireless (secure connections on unsecure wireless carrier) on campus, Valpo uses Virtual Private Networking (VPN) technology.

VPN Client

The netVU VPN client is necessary to use VPN connections at Valpo. The netVU client is configured by our Network Services staff specifically to work with our network. You can download the netVU client through the Valparaiso University Intranet download site.

The VPN client will not work with some personal firewalls; please disable personal firewalls if you experience problems while using the VPN client.  Contact your personal firewall vendor if you would like to configure your software to work with the VPN client.

Wireless (netVU Valpo)

The initial connection to the wireless network through Clean Access will allow webpage browsing. After establishing a basic connection to the wireless network, you can then use the VPN client to create a secure connection for the information you send and receive to travel.

When connecting to the wireless network make sure the VPN client is set on netVU Valpo.

Off-campus (netVU Remote)

The VPN may also be used to create an advanced connection from off-campus.  After a connection to the internet via your ISP has been made, you can use the VPN client to access the campus network. This allows you additional access to resources at VU, such as the Novell network, as well as encrypts your communication to VU while it traverses 3rd party networks.

When connecting to the campus network from off campus make sure the VPN client is set on netVU Remote.

Connect to the Network

For any of the above network access to be available, the VPN client must be correctly connected.

  1. Open the netVU Client. A 'VPN Client' dialog box will appear.
  2. If the VPN client opens up in Advanced Mode go to the Options menu and choose Simple Mode.
  3. Select the appropriate connection and click Connect.
  4. Another 'VPN Client' dialog box will appear. Log in using your Valponet username and password and click OK.
  5. When the VPN client connects the dialog boxes will close and a closed lock icon will appear in the System Tray (in the lower right hand corner by the clock).
  6. After disconnecting, the VPN client stays open in the System Tray as an open lock icon.

Advanced Mode

If you see more than a simple drop down box and a Connect button, you are currently in Advanced Mode. This is not necessary and allows you to change options that may inhibit the functionality of the VPN client. Please change to Simple Mode.

  1. To switch to Simple mode:
  2. Click on the Options menu.
  3. Click on Simple Mode.

Simple Mode

If you see a simple drop down box and a Connect button, you are currently in Simple Mode. This is the mode you should be working in.