Accessing the University network from other locations with VPN

If you are a registered user of the University IT facilities, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection will allow you to access the University network from home or from any other location with an internet connection. A VPN connection can be used to:

  • Access web pages and other data that can only be seen from a University of Exeter network address.
  • Provide faster access than a dial-up connection via a phone line, especially via a broadband Internet connection.
  • Make information sent between your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the University network more secure.
  • Provide a connection to the University network from remote parts of the University.

To use VPN from home or elsewhere, you need:

  • A connection to the Internet via any available method, using equipment that supports VPN. If in doubt ask your ISP if their service is compatable with VPN
  • A PC running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. Some versions of O/S for Macs and some versions of Linux are also supported, to check whether your computer is compatible please check the ‘Setting up access to the SSL VPN’ document  (see the link below) and check the table at the end of the document. Some other operating systems allow access to VPN, but they are not supported by Academic Services
  • A web browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari
  • An recent version of JAVA software (information on downloading this is available in the setup document)
  • Your University of Exeter username and password (as used for access to e-mail)
  • Administrator rights on your computer to install the Network Connect software

Instructions for access:

 

Network Connect software

There have been some instances where users have trouble downloading and / or installing the Network Connect software to their computer. Click on one of the links below to download the version of Network Connect appropriate for your operating system, and then install this as you would any other application.

 

You will need to add https://secure.exeter.ac.uk where the software asks for a sign-in page, in addition to your username and password. It is recommended you read one of the guides before you download the software from one of these links.  

When you connect to the University network via VPN, you are subject to the same regulations and conditions of use as when using the network on campus.

 

Accessing network drives when connected to the VPN system -

Due to the changes to the University’s VPN, the following steps need to be done in order to access your network drives (U:\, N:\, etc.)...

 

1: Establish a VPN

2: Double left click on the offline files icon

3: Click on the Synchronise button

 

…the software will then realise that it is connected to the University network via the VPN. The Offline Files icon will disappear, you will be able to synchronise your data and your U:\, N:\, etc. will now work as normal.

 

Falmouth Campus VPN Users :

To access the Falmouth VPN service, please go to this link -

https://webvpn.falmouth.ac.uk/+CSCOE+/logon.html

Please note that once you are logged in, when accessing File and then My Docs, you will be asked to re-enter your username and password. If you are a student then you need to prefix your username with student\