This article will describe how to install and use the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client on a computer running Mac OS X 10.3 or greater. Using the AnyConnect VPN client allows you to create a secure 'tunnel' through the internet from your computer to PSU servers, through which your network traffic passes. Your computer is assigned a PSU network address, and appears to the outside world as a computer on the PSU network. This allows you to use resources that are only accessible from the PSU network, such as Banner, or Remote Desktop connections to your work computer.
- You must be a current PSU Staff, Faculty, or Student in order to use AnyConnect.
- You must have an active ODIN account to authenticate using VPN.
- Log into Myfiles.pdx.edu, and navigate to I:/Software/Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client. Copy the installer 'PSU-AnyConnect-VPN-2.4.0202-Mac-Intel.dmg' to your desktop or elsewhere on your local computer.
- Double-click on the installer to extract the disk image and begin the setup process. The first step will verify that AnyConnect can be installed on your computer. Click 'Continue' on the dialog box to proceed.
- You will be guided through several explanatory steps describing the installation process. Click 'Continue' on each screen, until you reach the screen seen in the capture below. Click 'Install' to load AnyConnect onto your computer.
- You will be greeted by a dialog box informing you that the installation was successful. Click 'Close.'
- To make a VPN connection, navigate to your Mac's Applications/Cisco folder, and open the 'Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client' application. From the 'Group' drop-down menu, choose PSU Employees or PSU Students, depending on your role at the University. You will be prompted to authenticate with your ODIN credentials as seen in the capture below.
- Congratulations! You have successfully made a VPN connection using AnyConnect. To disconnect, click on the AnyConnect icon near the clock in the upper right hand corner of the screen, and choose 'Disconnect.'
- If AnyConnect will not accept your ODIN credentials, ensure that you are entering your password correctly, and that it works for other PSU systems.
- Ensure you have the proper installation package. Note that the Windows .exe installer will not work for Mac OS, and vice versa.
How is AnyConnect Different from the old Cisco VPN Client?
- The previous VPN client required a configuration profile to be selected before the connection could be established. AnyConnect, on the other hand, requires nothing beyond your current ODIN username and password.
- AnyConnect fully supports Windows 7 and Vista, and is compatible with 64-bit operating systems.
