Using the Rose-Hulman Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client


    • What is it?

      The Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) is a new method for securely accessing Rose-Hulman network-based resources from both off-campus and via the Rose wireless network. The VPN consists of two parts: a webpage-based portal and the Network Connect client, both of which can be accessed via a web browser at https://sslvpn.rose-hulman.edu/. The Network Connect client functions as a standalone VPN client, while the webpage-based portal provides access to Logan Library's databases and other remote access applications.

    What can I do with it?

      The SSL VPN allows network-based campus resources to be securely accessed from anywhere in the world. The resources that are available vary based on class enrollment and faculty or staff department.
      The Network Connect client acts as a VPN client, similar to the Nortel Client. Once connected via the Network Connect client, the computer functions as though it is on the Rose network, allowing Rose-Hulman licensed software to operate correctly.
      The webpage-based portal allows access to Logan Library's databases and other remote access applications without having to install or launch a VPN client.

    What Operating Systems are Supported?

    The manufacturer's documentation indicates that these operating systems are supported:

    Windows

  • 7 Enterprise Edition (32 and 64-bit)
  • XP Professional, Home and Media Center (32 and 64-bit)
  • Vista Enterprise, Ultimate, Business and Basic Home Premium(32 and 64-bit)
  • 2000 Professional SP4
  • 2003 Server SP2 (32 and 64-bit)

    • Mac

  • Mac OS X 10.5x (32 and 64-bit)
  • Mac OS X 10.4x (32-bit only)
  • Mac OS X 10.3x (32-bit only)

    • Linux

  • Most common 32-bit Linux distributions (OpenSuse, Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, Enterprise, etc)

    • Java Runtime Environment 5 (1.5.07) or higher is needed for all operating systems.


    What web browsers are supported?

      Firefox 2.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, and Safari 1.1 or higher.

    How does this compare with the Nortel VPN Client?

      In addition to supporting more operating systems than the Nortel client, the SSL VPN Network Connect client requires fewer resources and is compatible with home routers and corporate firewalls.

    Will the Nortel VPN Client continue to be supported?

      The Nortel VPN Client will continue to be supported through May 31, 2011 however, new laptop deployments and the Rose-Hulman hard drive images will start using the SSL VPN exclusively.

    Can the Nortel VPN Client and the Network Connect client co-exist?

      Yes.

    How do I access it?

      The following page should be displayed:

      The "Realm" drop-down box should have "Users" selected by default. If not, chage the selection to "Users". Supply the appropriate username and password and press the "Login" button.

      If a Java warning like this is displayed:

      then the Java Runtime Environment 5 (1.5.07) or higher needs to be installed. This software is available at http://java.sun.com/

      If the login was successful, a page similar to this will be displayed (the contents will vary based on class/department associations):

      The first time the SSL VPN is accessed, the browser may indicate the need to install an Add-on.

      Click on the notification to install the necessary component.

      The browser will prompt to confirm installation of the component.

      Click on the "Install" button.

    Accessing Logan Library's Database Resources

      To access Logan Library's database resources, click on the "Logan Library" link,


      This will open Logan Library's database selection page, making those resources available for use.


      The toolbar in the upper right-hand corner can be used to return to the SSL VPN Home page, access online help, or logout.


Using the Network Connect Client

    After logging into the SSL VPN, click on the "Start" button next to "Network Connect".


    The Network Connect client will be downloaded, installed, and activated. The status of the Network Connect client can be checked by right-clicking on the Network Connection icon in the Task Bar and selecting "Basic View".


    Information pertaining to the VPN connection will be displayed.

    click on the "Hide" button to close the window.

    To disconnect the Network Connect client, right click on the Network Connect icon and select "Sign Out",/kbd>.


    Future Network Connect sessions can be initiated by accessing the Network Connect client via the Start Menu.


    Selecting "Network Connect" will start the client without having to access the SSL VPN's login page via a browser.