VPN (Virtual Private Network)

VPN client software runs on your off-campus computer; the VPN allows you to access all our licensed resources as if you were using a campus computer. Some programs, such as EndNote's Connect function, SciFinder Scholar, MDL Crossfire Beilstein, MDL Crossfire Gmelin, and Luna Insight, require VPN for off-campus use. VPN will work with all web browsers and most types of Internet connection, except AOL.

Summary Instructions

1. Download the software.
2. Install it on your computer.
3. Run the VPN client before using article databases, electronic journals, etc. Always choose the "Library VPN" option.
4. Disconnect the VPN client when your session is finished.

Detailed Instructions for Mac

Instructions for Windows

These instructions have been tested on Macintosh OS 10.3.9, 10.4.5, and 10.4.6 and may also work with other versions. For more information, see the User Guide.

Downloading the Software

1. Have your CalNet ID and passphrase ready.
2. It's best to download the VPN software using Safari, Netscape/Mozilla, or Firefox, rather than Internet Explorer, because of the way these browsers handle "disk image" (.dmg) files.
3. To download the software now, find the version that matches your Mac OS on the VPN Download Page.
   


4. The download process may start the installer program automatically. If not, it will place the "cisco_vpn_4.x.0.dmg" icon on your desktop:
5. Double-click this icon to run the VPN installer program.

Installing the Software

1. The installer displays a window containing the Cisco VPN Client.mpkg icon:
2. Double-click the icon and follow instructions on the screen.
   The VPN installation process is similar to that for other OSX applications.
3. When the installation is complete, you may drag the cisco_vpn_4.9.0.dmg file and the cisco_vpn disk drive icon to the trash.

Using the VPN Client

NOTE: You will need to run VPN each time you want to use article databases, electronic journals, or other licensed library resources on your off-campus computer.

1. Locate the VPNClient file in the Applications folder on your Macintosh. NOTE: You can drag the icon to your Dock for easy access.
2. Double-click on VPNClient. You will see this window:
   
   
3. (1st time only) You must download and extract the Library VPN Profile and import it by clicking "Connection Entries" in the VPN Client Menu Bar (top of screen) and from there, select "Import..." and navigate to the library vpn profile. You will receive a confirmation message.
4. Select the connection entry: "Library VPN" (highlighted in blue, above). (NOTE: Make this your default by clicking "Connection Entries" in your the VPN Client Menu Bar (top of screen), and select "Set as Default Connection Entry".)
5. (1st time only) Click Modify -> Transport -> Check the boxes for "Enable Transparent Tunneling" and "IPSec over TCP". Leave the default port number at 10000.
6. Click on Connect. You will see this window:


7. In the Username box, enter your CalNet ID.
8. In the Password box, enter your passphrase.
9. Click OK. When the process is finished, you will see this window:
   
10. Click Continue. You can now access any licensed library resources.

Disconnecting the VPN Client

NOTE: While the VPN software is running on your computer, all your Internet traffic is routed through the UC Berkeley campus network. To reduce the load on the network, disconnect VPN when your session is finished. This will not break your Internet connection.

1. Click on VPN in your Dock.
   
2. Click on Disconnect. If your connection is idle for 3 hours, VPN will "time out" automatically.

Getting Help: VPN Software Download and Configuration Problems

• Students: Help with this product is available at the Student Computer Consulting Service.
• Faculty and Staff: contact C@B Faculty and Staff Consulting (consult@cab.berkeley.edu; 510-642-8899; M-F 10am-3pm).

VPN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)