VPN FAQ

If you have a question that isn't on this list, please contact the Help Desk for help, and if you have time please suggest to the webmaster that your question be added here (thanks).
  1. What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
    Basically a VPN is a way to connect 2 secure sites with a secure link over a public, unsecured network (the Internet).

    Many large national corporations run a private data link from their Denver office, say, to their San Francisco office. Since they own the point-to-point link, it is secure. Since the Internet has become a viable data communication alternative, it is more cost effective for corporations to use the "public roads", but they're still concerned about security. VPN is a technology that enables the two secure sites to communicate securely over the public Internet.
  2. How is a VPN most commonly used?
    The context in which most people think of VPN is in connecting a home computer with high-speed dedicated access to their company's office network, so they can be inside the company's Internet firewall and utilize services identical to what they have at the office. This includes file and print, telnet, and other services that are not available through the firewall.
  3. To access campus resources when do I need a VPN and when don't I?
    VPN access is limited to Faculty and Staff only.  Student VPN access is not allowed due to the sensitive nature of PHI and HIPAA regulations.  Please contact the Denison Library for Student access to University resources.

    You don't need a VPN to access the UC Denver web site; for all other services - file service, printer access, telnet to an on-campus computer, or reading your email with Outlook - you do need a VPN.

    You can read email without a VPN if you use Outlook Web Access (OWA), a web-based email client.  Both faculty and staff can go to the URL http://webmail.uchsc.edu; prefix your login name with "stargate\{username}".  For example, the employee Ernest P. Worrell would enter "stargate\worrelle" and his password.

  4. I want to learn more about VPN.
    Just type "virtual private networks" into Google and stand back.
  5. I have a small network at home.  Can I VPN in more than one computer at home at a time?
    Home networks are not supported at this time. To use a VPN you will have to remove a PC from the home network before using the VPN services.
  6. How important is security when using a VPN?
    VERY.

    Providing a secure connection to the campus is the responsibility of the user requesting VPN services. Generally this means running firewall software and subscribing the home computer to ITS's anti-virus services.

    A poorly secured computer connected via a VPN into the campus threatens the campus network and all devices connected to our network.
  7. Why do I have to use UC Denver ITS's favorite anti-virus software?

    Security is a key element, which UC Denver enforces prior to being accepted as a VPN user.

    Anschutz Medical Campus has a campus agreement with McAfee and we can help keep you current on the latest .dat files through the VPN.

    Note that having more than one anti-virus program installed can cause bizarre behavior of your computer.

  8. Should I use the Microsoft, Cisco, or some other VPN client?

    Unless you have a Macintosh, you should use Microsoft's VPN client. The Microsoft client is part of any current windows platform.

    Mac OS X users must use the Cisco VPN client. Mac OS 9.x or earlier OS version users should use the recommended client for Macintosh systems.

    Unix owners are on their own. Currently we do not support Unix users.

  9. I work for UCH - can I use UC Denver VPN service?
    No. Please check with the UCH Help Desk to check on their offerings.
  10. When I bring up my VPN, Outlook stops working.

    If you are reading your mail without your VPN, and then bring your VPN up, it confuses Outlook (at least). Exit Outlook before you bring your VPN up, and then re-launch it afterwards.