This article will describe how to install and use the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client on a computer running Microsoft Windows. 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.
Installing AnyConnect
- Navigate to myfiles.pdx.edu, and choose the '(I:) Resources' folder. Click the 'Software' folder. Choose the 'Cisco AnyConnect VPN' folder, and right-click on the 'PSU-AnyConnect-VPN-2.4.0202-Win' installer. Choose 'Copy.' Paste the installer package on your desktop.
- Double-click on the installer package. This will start the setup process. When prompted, click 'Next' as seen in the screen capture below.
- Accept the terms of the license agreement, and choose 'Next.'
- The installer will load the program onto your computer. Upon completion, you will be prompted to finish the installation by clicking on 'Finish.'
Using AnyConnect
- Open AnyConnect by selecting it from your Start menu. From the Drop-down menu in the step below, choose PSU Employees or PSU Students, depending on your role at the University. A window will appear requesting your ODIN username and password. Provide this information, and click on 'Connect.' You do not need to select a configuration profile or make any changes at this point.
- AnyConnect will automatically create a VPN connection. You will not be required to take any further action until you are ready do disconnect.
- Congratulations! You have successfully connected using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client. To disconnect, right click on the AnyConnect item in the System Tray (near the clock in the lower right hand corner of your screen.) A context menu will appear; select 'Disconnect.' This will terminate the VPN connection.
- If AnyConnect will not accept your ODIN credentials, ensure that you are entering your password correctly, and that it works for other PSU systems.
- If you are unable to make the connection, ensure that you have allowed AnyConnect to pass through your computer's firewall. Windows will typically ask you if you would like to make a security exception for AnyConnect the first time you run the program. Manual exceptions can be added from the firewall applet in your computer's Control Panel.
- Ensure you have the proper installation package. Note that the Mac .dmg installer will not work for Windows, 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.
