OIT's Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service
contents
- About VPN
- When to use VPN
- Cost
- Download, Instructions
- Contacts
news
- October 30, 2006: Cisco VPN client updated to v4.9.01.0030 for Mac OS X 10.4 and newer, resolving compatibility issues with the Mac Pro tower and 64-bit computing.
- August 11, 2006: Cisco fixed security vulnerabilities previous VPN client software. Please upgrade to the latest version.
related to VPN
About VPN
VPN lets you create secure connections to remote networks by creating a protected, individual tunnel for you to that remote network. Even using e-mail can involve some risk. Without the security of VPN, the information you type or send could be intercepted on the "open highway" of the Internet.
You can install client versions of this software on personal computers and workstations. The University maintains a Cisco VPN 3000 server and makes compatible client software available to University students, faculty and staff to install and run on their own computers. NTS manages the server side of this service.
When to use VPN
The security offered by VPN is necessary if both these connection and data (information) conditions apply:
- The connection:
You are ...- using a wireless connection on campus.
-or- - connecting to the University from a non-University of Minnesota Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as through AOL or MSN or with a cable modem or DSL.
- using a wireless connection on campus.
- The data/information:
You will, or might, transmit sensitive data such as passwords, credit card information, social security numbers or any confidential information by any means while connected to the Internet; you need access to restricted University resources.
Cost
This service is provided free of charge to eligible students, faculty and staff. The Cisco VPN client software is also available free of charge.Currently there are no limits on your use of this VPN service. However, when you no longer need the access or security VPN provides, we encourage you to disconnect from the VPN server.
Download Software and Instructions
- Windows and Macintosh: delete the old profile from within the existing VPN client, and then run the new client's installer to overwrite the old client.
- AHC/Fairview Windows and Macintosh: contact your VPN support staff if you use ahcvpn and umpvpn VPN workgroup profiles.
| choose an Operating System |
VPN Client Version | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
|
Windows Vista 32-bit (clean install, not upgrade from XP)
Windows XP (Service Pack 2) Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4) |
5.0.03.0560 |
To run on Windows Vista, Cisco VPN version 5.0.03.0560 requires Microsoft Windows patch Windows6.0-KB952876-x86.msu. |
| Mac OS X 10.4 and newer | 4.9.01.0100 |
installation guide
user guide (PDF) |
| Mac OS X 10.2 - 10.3 | 4.6.04.0061 | |
| Red Hat Linux | 4.8.01.0640 |
installation guide
user guide (PDF) |
| Solaris 8 | 4.6.02.0030 | |
| All | All |
To download, right-click 'U of MN Profile', choose 'Save Link as ...' and save to your desktop. Open the VPN client software and click the 'Import' button in the toolbar to import into the client. |
Instructions, guides and release notes are also available from Cisco's Web site: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/secursw/ps2308/
unsupported operating systems
For the following operating systems, there is no Cisco VPN client compatible with the University's VPN service:
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows NT
- Mac OS X 10.1 and older
- Mac OS 9 and older
- iPhone OS 1.x
- PDA and handheld PC platforms
Contacts
For assistance with the client software, contact 1-HELP.
To provide comments or feedback about this VPN service, send e-mail to vpn@umn.edu.