Q: What is VPN, why do I need it, and when should I
use it?
A: With so much emphasis being directed to network security, many different technologies
are being deployed to help deter, if not eliminate unauthorized and often malicious
access to private networks (UTHSCSA computer network). Generally, public networks
have very restricted access to private networks. A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
is a network technology that is constructed by using publicly accessible networking
services (Internet providers) to securely connect private networks and nodes. The
VPN environment uses user-level authentication, encryption and other security mechanisms
to ensure that only authorized users can access the private network and that the
data cannot be intercepted.
Q: Do I still need to have an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) like Road Runner, AT&T, DSL, etc.?
A: Yes. VPN works along with your ISP to give a secure connection between your home
computer and the UT Health Science Center campus. VPN does not replace your ISP, it works to protect
data transmissions from being intercepted by a third party.
Q: Who needs the VPN software?
A: All UT Health Science Center faculty, staff and students who need remote access from an internet
connection point to the private UT Health Science Center computer network should use the VPN connection.
Once a VPN connection is established, the end user appears (virtually) to be directly
connected to the UT Health Science Center computer network with all of the access rights granted
to normal, campus connected users. Another property of the VPN is that once the
VPN is established, the end user node appears to have a local UT Health Science Center Internet (IP)
address, which is required to access some specific applications (Library).
Q: Will I need to learn a new program to use VPN?
A: No. You will not need to learn a new program. Once you install VPN you will only
need to click on the VPN icon to connect. You will see no difference in your programs,
and there are no new applications to learn.
Q: I want to get a router for my home network. Is there
anything I should know about their functionality with VPN before I buy one?
A: Absolutely! If you are going to purchase a new router, and you will be attempting
to use VPN through it, be sure it either states it is enabled with NAT transparency
or allows for VPN passing. Most of the newer routers have this feature, but investigate
it before you buy.
Q: What are VPN system requirements?
A:
Click here to see system requirements
You must have a valid UT Health Science Center computer/network account. If you do not, please call
the Information Management Client Support Services (Triage Help Desk) at (210) 567-7777
to obtain instructions on how to acquire an account.
Client node must have TCP/IP software installed
Q: Where do I download the VPN Client?
A: Select the appropriate download:
Software and Instructions for Windows
Software and Instructions for Macintosh
Software and Instructions for Linux
Q: Where do I download the Windows Vista VPN client?
A: Software and Instructions for
Windows Vista
Q: How do I uninstall the older version of the VPN client?
A: Cisco Uninstall Instructions