VPN
From StudentDevWiki
RPI allows students to connect to the campus network using an External VPN ("Virtual Private Network"). Connectivity is available through the same Cisco VPN Client as is used for the Wireless VPN on campus, although a different configuration profile is used. A VPN connection is required for developer's access to the Student Development Server, but not to view myRPI-space websites.
The VPN is supported by the RPI Helpdesk
Contents |
Connecting to the VPN
Getting the software
The Cisco VPN Client comes pre-installed on RPI laptops, but is available to all RPI students through the following page on the Help Desk Website: Campus VPN Service. In addition to the software, you also need the Profile for Remote Access VPN, or External VPN, available from the same page with an RPI Login, though this profile usually comes with the software.
The Cisco VPN Client above is now available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Use of third party software such as vpnc when necessary is possible but not supported.
Connecting
Simply launch the software, choose the External VPN profile, and click connect. Provide your RCS ID and password. All connections that require the VPN will be automatically routed through the VPN once it is connected.
Why you need the VPN
The RPI network, maintained by the Division of the Chief Information Officer, is surrounded by a firewall that protects students and campus resources from the internet. Specifically, it prevents incoming connections to servers on campus, that is, it stops any attempt to connect to a web server, ftp server, or network file server that is on RPI's network from a computer that is not on RPI's network. There are exceptions to this firewall, of course, including RPI's Homepage, and your .myrpi.org website. So while anyone anywhere in the world can view your website, only someone on campus can log in to the cPanel administration page or log in to the server via FTP or Shell Access.
The function of the VPN is to create a virtual tunnel into RPI's network. When you're connected to the VPN, you're actually securely connected to a public portal at RPI which then relays your connection through itself to the requested on-campus server. Of course, that's the reason that an RCS ID and logon is required to connect to the VPN.
