BU | IT Help Center

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 our 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, using services protected behind a firewall, or using a wireless network.

Why would I use it?

Members of the Boston University community use VPN software primarily for two different reasons:

To gain access to restricted resources on the Boston University campus network:
The VPN assigns a virtual BU IP address to your computer so that you can access servers, printers, FileMaker databases, Active Directory resources (such as Exchange servers) or other restricted resources when you are not directly connected to the BU network.
To secure a wireless connection:
The VPN secures wireless transmissions that might otherwise be susceptible to eavesdropping. If you are connecting to the Boston University wireless network, you are required to use either 802.1x (recommended) or the VPN. You will see both of these options listed as different SSIDs. If you are connected to an open wireless network (as in a cafe, airport, etc.) you can also get an extra level of security by launching the VPN.

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:
Macintosh OS X* on Intel Mac or PowerPC	Macintosh VPN client 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)

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.

The Eee PC	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
Windows 64-bit or Mac OS 9	No Cisco VPN client is available for Windows Vista 64-bit or Mac OS 9. 64-bit wireless users should be able to use 802.1x. We do also have some user-written suggestions for remote users of 64-bit Windows who need to use the VPN.
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 IT Help Center .