VPN

From RoboWiki

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology for network security that Penn State uses to secure its wireless network. Because of this, a VPN client (a piece of software that allows you to log into the system using your student account) is required. One can obtain the needed client from wireless.psu.edu, a site which can be accessed through the wireless network without using the vpn.

[edit] 64-bit Windows Users:

If you have 64-bit Windows, you will not be able to install the vpn client needed. However, there is a new wireless network being setup across the campus that does not require the vpn client: for instruction, visit ITS' website.

Also, there is a workaround for 64 bit windows (which can also work in 32 bit, if you would like to not install the vpn):

1. On the Start Menu, select Network option, and then select Network and Sharing Center.
2. On the left hand side, choose Set up a connection or network.
3. In the Set up a connection or network window, scroll down and select Connect to a workplace.
4. Select the first option: Use my Internet Connection (VPN)
5. Input the following two pieces of information:
   1. Internet Address: mobility.up.psu.edu
   2. Destination Name: pennstate
6. In addtion, select Don't Connect Now.
7. Input your Penn State Access ID and password, then select Create.
8. Select Close.
9. . Back under the Network and Sharing Center, select Manage network connections.
10. Right-click on the pennstate connection and select Properties and Security.
11. Under the Security tab, choose Advanced and select Settings.
12. Data encryption should be set to Require encryption.
13. Make sure to check Unencrypted password (PAP) and Microsoft CHAP.
14. Select OK.
15. Select Yes.
16. Select the Network tab.
17. At the top under Type of VPN and choose the pull down option L2TP IPsec VPN.
18. Select IPsec Setting.
19. Select preshared for authentication and insert pennstate as the key.
20. Select OK twice.
21. Back under your network connections, right-click the pennstate connection and create a shortcut to the desktop. Be sure to close all the networking related windows.
22. Connect via wireless. Select the pennstate wireless network from the available wireless networks in the lower left hand corner.
23. Double-click on the pennstate connection on the desktop.
24. Enter your Penn State Access ID and password, and select connect.

[edit] Linux Installation:

The best way to use VPN on linux is to connect via a program called vpnc. To install this, use your distribution's standard package mananger. For example:

On Red Hat or other yum-based systems:

sudo yum install vpnc.i386

On Ubuntu or other apt-based systems:

sudo apt-get install vpnc

On Arch or other pacman-based systems:

sudo pacman -S vpnc

In order to connect, first use your wireless manager to connect to the wireless network "Pennstate", then run vpnc as a super/root user:

sudo vpnc

and use the following settings to connect to the standard Penn State Wireless network:

To Connect

IPSec gateway address: mobility.up.psu.edu

IPSec ID: pennstate

IPSec secret: pennstate

username for mobility.up.psu.edu: your penn state email address, without "@psu.edu"

password for mobility.up.psu.edu: the password you use to log into the computer labs

To Disconnect:

sudo vpnc-disconnect

To Pre-Configure:

Edit /etc/vpnc/default.conf with your favorite editor to show:

IPSec gateway mobility.up.psu.edu
IPSec ID pennstate
IPSec secret pennstate
Xauth username <your penn state email address, without "@psu.edu">
Xauth password <your password for angel>

Then, run

sudo vpnc

in a terminal, and it should connect automatically.

NOTE: When connecting to the vpn, connect to the "Pennstate" wireless network, NOT the "psu" wireless network!