Connecting to the VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows a remote user to create a secure tunnel into the IAS network over a non-IAS Internet service provider. Once authenticated the user is then able to gain access to IAS-restricted resources.

VPN is especially useful for IAS Faculty, Members, and Staff that may be accessing the campus network using a commercial Internet Service Provider (such as AT&T, AOL, etc.) and wish to gain access to IAS-only resources (such as file servers and restricted web pages). When you authenticate to the VPN server, your computer is assigned a second IP address from the pool of IAS-specific IP addresses. Once you have this second IP address, it is as if you are using the network from a computer on campus (rather than coming in from a commercial ISP network).

Connecting via Software (Preferred)

When using equipment that you own, installing the VPN software on your computer is the preferred method. Once installed, you can connect to IAS and access restricted resources as if you were on campus. For instructions on installing the VPN software, please see the OpenVPN Installation Guide

Connecting via the Web (Alternative)

The web-based VPN has reached its end of life at IAS. To continue having access to IAS resources while using personal computing devices or while off-campus, please use the OpenVPN software.

Note: The two methods for VPN access (Web VPN and VPN software) cannot be used at the same time.