VPN - Virtual Private  Network

• What is a VPN?

• Where do I get the VPN Client?

• What else should be installed on my computer?

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be defined as a means of transferring information using secure methods over a public network. The data transfer is private, but the network is public thus making it "virtual private." For example, you could set up a VPN between your home computer and your Weber office computer with security and encryption technology while using the Internet as your network. The data transfer is private, but you don't own the Internet so it is a Virtual Private Network.

Weber's VPN creates a secure connection between your computer and Weber's VPN Concentrator. While the VPN is running, any network traffic from your computer is sent securely to the concentrator. The concentrator will then pass the data along to the intended destination. This lets your home computer appear to the Weber network like it is at Weber rather than remotely connected.

What is a VPN client?

A VPN client handles the security and encryption portion of the VPN definition. It is a software application that you must install and start if you want to use it. (It doesn't automatically start up or run in the background when you connect to the Internet.)

When is VPN necessary?

Anywhere high-risk and/or confidential information is transported across a computer network it needs to be protected from public access. Institutions like Weber use several methods to secure high-risk and confidential information, including firewalls, authentication, data encryption, etc. Unfortunately, some of these security technologies prevent authorized computer users from accessing the data they need if they are outside of the Weber network (for example, at home or while traveling). A VPN helps solve remote access issues while keeping high-risk and confidential data secure as it is transferred across a public network. Furthermore, a computer running the Weber VPN client appears to be connected locally to the Weber network.

 Do I need a VPN client?

If you are only surfing the Web, you do not need to use a VPN client. A VPN client might make Internet access slower.

If you are accessing information which is restricted to the Weber network, you do need to use a VPN. Information restricted to the Weber network includes the following:

• e-reserves or other library databases

• departmental IP-restricted servers

• hr/payroll data

• protected health information

Where do I get a VPN client if I need one? 

• Login to the WSU Faculty/Staff Portal

• Click on the Software Downloads

Is there anything else that I should install on my computer?

While the VPN client is the only program needed to access the Weber VPN, we recommend that everyone install AntiVirus software on their computer. Weber has site licensed this software so it is available to all members of Weber, even on their personal computers. McAfee is available for Windows-based computers, while Virex is available for Macintosh.