VPN
provides an extra level of security when connecting to Kellogg's wireless Ethernet
network and allows you to access Kellogg network resources from
off-campus.
VPN
is pre-configured on all Kellogg Laptop Program computers. For
instructions on how to connect to VPN, click
here.
When
to use VPN
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When connecting to Kellogg's wireless
Ethernet network. You will not be able to access the Internet or check-mail
until
you connect to the NU VPN server. Requiring VPN on the wireless
network enhances the security of the network.
-
When sending mail from off-campus
using a third-party Internet Service Provider, such
as cable modem or DSL. You will not be able to send e-mail
to non-Northwestern addresses -- instead, you'll see a "recipient
must be in the form of user@northwestern.edu" error until
you connect to the NU VPN server. Like virtually every other
network on
the Internet, Northwestern's e-mail servers
are set to accept outbound mail only from computers
on its network. So, if you try to send mail from home using
the
your cable modem service, your IP address
might look like this: 12-251-114-26.client.attbi.com.
The Northwestern mail server will reject it because it's a
non-northwestern.edu
address. If you use the VPN server, you'll
be assigned a NU IP address such as vpn160135.vpn.northwestern.edu and
your mail will go through.
-
To access
research databases at Northwestern University Library from
off-campus.
Like the mail servers, some library research tools are
restricted
to
computers with northwestern.edu
IP addresses.
- To connect to
the Kellogg domain (home directories, file servers & printing)
from home, you must first connect to NU VPN.
Adding a VPN Connection
Note: NU VPN is
pre-configured on all Kellogg Laptop Program computers. If you
have a Kellogg laptop, please skip ahead to Using
VPN.
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1. Go to
the Start menu, select All Programs,
then Accessories, then Communications,
then New Connection Wizard. Click Next.
|
| 2. Select Connect
to the network at my workplace. |
 |
3. Select Virtual
Private Network connection and click Next.
4. When prompted to specify
a Company Name, type NU VPN.
Click Next.
|
5. Select Do
not dial the initial connection, unless you
are using a third-party ISP, such as Earthlink or MSN.
(If you are using a third-party
ISP, choose it from the pull-down menu below "Automatically
dial this initial connection.").
Click Next. |
 |
6. Enter vpn-public.vpn.northwestern.edu in
the Host name or IP address field.
7. If you would like
to create a shortcut on the desktop to the VPN server,
check the box for Add a shortcut for this connection
to my desktop.
8. Click Finish.
Your new VPN connection is almost ready for
use.
9. Right-click on the
icon for your new VPN connection (if you don't have the
Network Connections folder open, you can find it in the
Start menu, under Connect To). Select Properties.
10. Click
the Networking Tab.
11. Select L2TP IPSec VPN from the Type of VPN: drop-down menu.
12. Click OK until you have returned to the NU VPN Properties Window, and are located on the Networking tab. Please select the Security Tab. Check the Typical (recommended settings) radio button and check the Require data encription (disconnect if none).
 13. Click the IPSec Settings... button. Click the Use pre-shared key for authentication checkbox. Type nuit into the Key: field. And Click OK. Then Click OK.Your VPN connection is now complete.
Your VPN connection is now ready for use!
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|
Using VPN
To connect to VPN, click
the Start button, select Connect
To, then your NU VPN Connection.
(If you do not
see Connect To in the Start menu, go to All
Programs, Accessories,
then Communications, then Network
Connections. Double-click the NU VPN
connection).
|
 |
|
| When prompted, enter your NetID and password. |
 |
|
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Once you have successfully connected, you'll see the alert
at right in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
If you are not able to connect, see our troubleshooting
section below.
|
 |
|
|
 To
disconnect, right-click on the NU VPN connection in
the system tray (the bottom right corner of the screen).
If you're not sure which of the two or three network icons
is the VPN connection, hover over each until you see your
NU VPN connection (as shown at right). Select Disconnect.
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Troubleshooting VPN
Common problems with connecting
to VPN:
- Expired or mistyped passwords. If you're unable to
connect to our VPN server, make sure your password still
works
elsewhere (try logging into WebMail).
- Using a router to share a high-speed
connection. These routers can typically only handle one
VPN connection
at a time, so if you have a roommate who's already
connected to VPN, you may not be able to connect, or
they will
be disconnected
from VPN. In this case, you may wish to install and use
the Cisco VPN client, which has more robust configuration
options. Instructions are available from NUIT: Installing
Cisco VPN | Configuring
Cisco VPN.
- Incorrect network settings. Please make sure your settings
match ours, as outlined below.
|
Go to the Start menu,
select All Programs, then Accessories,
then Communications, then Network
Connections. (On some computers, a shortcut
is to click the Start button, select Connect
To, then Show All Connections.)
Right-click your NU VPN connection and select Properties. |
 |
First, on the General tab, make sure that you have
the correct Host name: vpn-public.vpn.northwestern.edu |
| Next, click the Security tab.
Make sure your settings match those at right. You can also click on IPSec Settings and re-enter the shared key, nuit. |
 |
If your settings match those shown above and you are
still unable to connect, try double-checking your Network
Configuration.
After confirming your network configuration matches
our recommendations, if you are still having problems,
stop by the Technical Support Center or call 847-467-2100.
If we are able to connect to VPN from your computer in
our office, you will need to consult your Internet Service
Provider or corporate IT department.
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