Information Technology

What is VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a way to use a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization's network. A VPN works by using the shared public infrastructure while maintaining privacy through security procedures. In effect, the protocols, by encrypting data at the sending end and decrypting it at the receiving end, send the data through a "tunnel" that cannot be "entered" by data that is not properly encrypted. An additional level of security involves encrypting not only the data, but also the originating and receiving network addresses. It essentially creates a private channel on the public Internet that masquerades as a IP network address.

VPN lets Rockefeller University users access the campus network from off campus. It securely transmits data between a remote computer and the campus network over the Internet. It essentially creates a private channel on the public Internet that masquerades as a Rockefeller IP network address.

What campus resources can I access with VPN?

If you are connecting to Rockefeller University campus resources via an off campus Internet connection (including at home cable modem, DSL, and dialup other than Rockefeller's), you will not have full access as you would if you were on campus. This restriction is in place to prevent unauthorized use of our computing facilities in order to protect campus users. Restricted resources include:
• Sending e-mail off campus through the campus mail server.
• Library database.
• Full campus directory.

You can gain access to the same resources as if you were on campus by using Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. VPN is a small application that makes a secure connection to an on-campus server and grants you a Rockefeller IP address (an IP address identifies the location of your computer - when your off-campus computer has a Rockefeller IP you are on campus 'virtually').

How much does VPN cost?

VPN accounts and software are provided free of charge to the Rockefeller community.

How do I apply for a VPN account?

In order to apply for a VPN account, users must have a valid Rockefeller e-mail account, as it's used to authenticate with the VPN server.

Is VPN compatible with my computer?

The university's SSL VPN system is web browser based. It is compatible with current versions of:
1. Windows Computer: Internet Explorer (IE) and Firefox
2. Mac OSX (10.5.x and newer): Safari and Firefox
3. Smartphones: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (iOS 4.2 and newer)

If you have questions, or if you need assistance, contact the IT Help Desk at x8940.