Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) is a network that uses primarily public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or traveling users access to a central organizational network.

Features

VPNs typically require remote users of the network to be authenticated, and often secure data with encryption technologies to prevent disclosure of private information to unauthorized parties. VPNs may serve any network functionality that is found on any network, such as sharing of data and access to network resources, printers, databases, websites, etc.

A VPN user typically experiences the central network in a manner that is identical to being connected directly to the central network. VPN technology via the public Internet has replaced the need to requisition and maintain expensive dedicated leased-line telecommunication circuits once typical in wide-area network installations.

UNL Information Technology Services recommends and supports Cisco's AnyConnect Secure Mobility VPN. It is a VPN client that can be installed and launched from a web browser, and it works on a wide variety of operating systems and hardware configurations. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility VPN client and service will work under current UNL-supported Mac and Windows versions (view here). Some selected linux versions also work with the VPN.

How does the new VPN work?

VPN allows you to connect to UNL's network as if you were on campus, making access to restricted services possible. There are three types of VPN available originating from UNL.

FULL TUNNEL
Encrypts all internet traffic from your computer but may inadvertently block you from using resources on your local network, such as a networked printer at home.