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BU VPN for iPhone & iPod Touch

With version 2.0 of the iPhone software that Apple released in July 2008, connecting to BU's wireless over the VPN is now possible. This guide will walk you through doing the one-time configuration for the VPN, as well as the day-to-day use in connecting. However, it's worth noting that 802.1x technology is also available, and recommended, over use of the VPN.

The instructions provided below are also expected to be useful with the iPod Touch. If you find that your settings don't match what's described below, you may need to update your software - a $9.95 download from Apple. Plug your iPod Touch into your computer and then follow this link: http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/whatsnew.html

Configuration

  1. Turn on your iPhone to open the Settings application and select the General options.
  2. In the General Settings options, choose Network settings.
  3. In the Network Settings options, choose VPN Not Configured.
  4. Click the Add VPN Configuration... button.
  5. Choose the IPSec VPN type.
  6. Fill in the configuration settings as follows:


    Description: A name for this VPN connection. A recommended setting is “BU On Campus”, but you are free to name it whatever you choose.

    Server: vpn-oncampus.bu.edu

    Account:     This is your BU Login name, which is the part of your BU email address before the @bu.edu. For example, the login part of login@bu.edu.

    Password: leaving this blank is suggested

    Group Name: BostonU

    Secret: BostonU

The VPN is now configured. You will only have to do this setup once; from now on you should simply follow the steps below to connect via the VPN.

Connecting to the VPN

  1. Open the Settings application and select WiFi.
  2. Connect to the BU (requires VPN) wireless network.
  3. Go back to the Settings application and turn the VPN switch to the On position.
  4. After the VPN gets connected, you will be prompted to enter your BU login name and Kerberos password.
  5. You can now use the Internet as you would over any other WiFi network, or through EDGE or 3G. The iPhone will indicate it is on VPN with an icon in the title bar.