How to set up and use the PSU VPN client for Mac OS X

Topics covered in this document:

• What is the PSU VPN Client?
• Who needs the PSU VPN Client?

• VPN Client Installation
  • Acquiring the VPN Client Installer
  • Installation
  • VPN Client Usage

What is the PSU VPN Client?

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network". The VPN Client provides remote users with secure access to networks and systems at PSU. The VPN client uses PSUs Odin account system for authentication; therefore VPN users must have a PSU Odin account.

Who needs the PSU VPN Client?

The VPN client is typically used to access banner.pdx.edu. The VPN client can also be used to access other network resources only available on the campus network.

Acquiring the VPN Client Installer

• On Campus: In the Finder, click the 'Go' menu and select 'Connect to Server.' In the server address, type 'smb://departments.psu.ds.pdx.edu/Software' and click the 'Connect' button. Enter your Odin credentials when prompted, and navigate to the 'Cisco VPN' folder. Select the 'vpnclient-osx-4.9-universal.dmg.zip' file and copy it to the desktop. 
• Off Campus: The process for connecting to the Software folder from off-campus is the same as described above, but uses a different server address. Substitute 'https://myfiles.pdx.edu/resources/Software/' for the path listed above.

VPN Client Installation

1. Unzip the file "vpnclient-osx-4.9--universal.dmg", a new icon will appear on the desktop, double click it and it will launch the window below. In this window, double click "Cisco VPN Client.mpkg" to begin the VPN installer.

   

2. A warning will appear notifying you that this installer will check the capabilities of your computer, click "continue".
   

3. Accept the license agreement, then click "next" until the installation is completed.

4. The PSU VPN client is now installed on your Mac. Its launcher should be in the applications folder.
   

VPN Client Usage

1. Open the VPN client, it should be available at /Applications/VPNClient.app

   

2. The client will open and display a dialog with a list of connections.

   

   Most users should choose "PSU Campus Only". The differences in the connections are as follows:

   • PSU Campus Only: The VPN handles traffic that is PSU specific.
   • PSU Campus Only-NAT: The VPN client computer is provided a PSU IP Address via Network Address Translation (NAT) and the VPN handles all PSU specific traffic.
   • PSU Full Tunnel: The VPN handles all traffic.
   • PSU Full Tunnel-NAT: The VPN handles all traffic and the client PC is provided a PSU IP Address via Network Address Translation.

3. Double click the appropriate connection ("PSU Campus Only") to connect. A dialog asking for a username and password will appear, use your Odin account to log in.
   

4. A connection is established.
   

5. To disconnect from the PSU VPN, open the "Connection Entries" menu and select "Disconnect".