The Virtual Private Network (VPN) client software is required for access to Carleton University resources that are restricted to on-campus use. The VPN client software provides a secure encrypted channel from your home to the campus and allows access to many campus resources: e-mail accounts, news and Web services, as well as proprietary, licensed and copyright materials.

The VPN Client:

Step 1: Download

In order to use the VPN service, users must first download the VPN client software.

Step 2: Install

Next you’ll need to install the VPN client software on your computer. Please ensure that the computer you are using to connect to the Carleton University VPN Network meets the minimum system requirements.

Step 3: Connect

Once you have downloaded the VPN client software and installed it on your system, you are ready to connect to the Carleton University VPN network.

  1. Start the VPN client software (e.g. Windows users, click on Start -> Programs -> Cisco Systems VPN Client -> VPNClient)
  2. Click on Connect
  3. Enter your login credentials in the username/password dialog box in the format username@domain (e.g. jsmith@connect or johnsmith@cunet)
    If successful, you should be presented with a dialog box welcoming you to the Carleton University VPN network.

Accessing your P: and W: drives through VPN

Once you’ve established a connection…

Once you have established a VPN connection, all of your network traffic will be routed through Carleton University. Once you have finished accessing Carleton resources, it is recommended that you disconnect the VPN client session. (Windows users right-click on the gold padlock icon in the system task tray at the bottom right of your screen and select ‘disconnect’.)

The VPN connection has a one hour idle timeout and a six hour maximum connect time limit. However, you may immediately reconnect if you are disconnected.

Note: VPN packages are now available in 64bit for MS Windows 7 and MS Vista Operating Systems.

Back to Top