VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)
Boston University VPN (Virtual Private Network) servers provide you with a private channel or "tunnel" between your PC and the campus network. This page explains how to download a VPN client so that you can create and use these VPN tunnels.
How does a VPN protect me?
A VPN encrypts all transmissions between your PC and the VPN server, including login names and passwords. This encryption helps protect your information when you are reading e-mail, accessing a file server, or using services protected behind a firewall.
Why would I use it?
Members of the Boston University community use VPN software for two separate purposes:
- To access the Boston University wireless network.
A VPN connection is required to get on the BU wireless network. The VPN secures wireless transmissions that might otherwise be susceptible to eavesdropping.
- To gain access to restricted resources on the Boston
University campus networkwhen you are not directly
connected to the network.
The VPN assigns a virtual BU IP address to your computer so that you can access servers, printers, FileMaker databases, or other restricted resources when you are using another Internet Service Provider.- Please note that the VPN no longer helps with access to restricted library resources from off-campus. Learn more about the new EZProxy system for library database access from both on and off campus.
- Please note that the VPN is no longer necessary for use of acs-smtp.bu.edu when off campus. Instead, you should send mail using SSL.
Who can use the VPN?
The vast majority of people we support have full access. Among others, the following users do not, by default, have access to the VPN. In some cases VPN access can be enabled by contacting the IT Front Office.
-
User classes without default VPN access
- Distance Education
- Alumni and Alumni Forwarding Accounts
- Conference and Guest Users, including Summer Guests
What do I need to use the VPN?
You must have the Cisco VPN client software and an approved BU login and Kerberos password. Your account is approved only after you have shown your BU ID at the Office of Information Technology or the Medical Campus Library. If you have established an ACS account, you have probably met this requirement.
Download and install
Cisco VPN client software
| If your computer runs... | Then go to this page: |
| Windows Vista (32-bit*), Windows XP, or Windows 2000 | Pre-configured Windows VPN client 5.x page |
| If you have had had trouble with the pre-configured version of VPN 5 (e.g. some Int'l Windows versions) | Unconfigured Windows VPN client |
| Windows 98 or Windows NT, or if you otherwise require an older client | Unconfigured Windows VPN client page (use version 4) |
| Macintosh OS X* on Intel Mac or PowerPC | Macintosh VPN client page |
| BU Linux | BU Linux site says: type sudo vpnc-connect |
| Ubuntu Linux | These are unsupported instructions that are not maintained. However, they were written by a user and should be helpful. |
| Handheld OS (PalmOS, iPhone, etc.) | See handheld device page |
* No Cisco VPN client is available
for Windows Vista 64-bit or Mac OS 9. |
|
| ON THE MEDICAL CAMPUS? The Cisco VPN client should work with either the BUMC profile or the BU vpn-oncampus profile on either campus. However, if you would like to set up the BUMC profile, please refer to the BUMC VPN download and installation instructions. | |
Support
The Office of Information Technology is committed to the support of this service and to working with you to resolve any issues that may arise. After you review the pages below, please direct any remaining questions to the Personal Computing Support Center (PCSC).
- How to use BU Wireless
- Our VPN troubleshooting page
- Detailed Cisco client release notes
- BU Medical Campus IT including information on how to connect to the "Y" drive.
