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How to Install and Use the VPN Client

If you are connected to a network outside of the Olin School or if you are using the wireless network, you must use the Cisco VPN Client if you want to any of the following:

The VPN client is simple to install, available for multiple platforms (Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux), and easy to use.

Important Notes:

  1. If you do not use Outlook 2002 (or older) and do not need to map a network drive directly or print to Olin printers, you do not need the VPN Client.
  2. The VPN Client does not work when you are on the Olin network. You must be connecting to the Internet from a location outside of Olin.
  3. You must be an administrator on your computer to install the VPN Client software.
  4. Check with the IS staff at your employer before trying to install or use the VPN Client on an office or company-supplied computer.
  5. The VPN Client does not eliminate the need to use the proxy server to access off-campus restricted web sites.
  6. Cisco does not offer a free VPN client for PocketPC or MacOS 9 (and below).

Windows

Installing the VPN Client (XP)

  1. Download the appropriate VPN client (Faculty, Staff, or Students) using the links provided. Total file size is 8.4 MB.
  2. Double-click the program you downloaded.
  3. Click OK to extract the files and start the setup program.
  4. Click Yes and Next whenever prompted by the setup program. Accept any defaults that you are offered.
  5. After the client is installed, you will be prompted to reboot the system. Click OK and let the system reboot.
  6. After your computer reboots, start the VPN client. You can find the VPN Client icon in Start -> Programs -> Cisco VPN Client.
  7. Go to the Connection Entries menu and select Create Shortcut. This will add a shortcut to your desktop for quick access. You can also right mouse-click on the connection entry in the list and select Create Shortcut from that menu.
  8. The VPN Client is ready for your use.

Installing the VPN Client (Vista)

  1. Download the VPN client (Vista client ) using the link provided. Total file size is 10.5 MB.
  2. Click OK to extract the files and start the setup program.
  3. Click Yes and Next whenever prompted by the setup program. Accept any defaults that you are offered.
  4. After the client is installed, you will be prompted to reboot the system. Click OK and let the system reboot.
  5. After your computer reboots, start the VPN client. You can find the VPN Client icon in Start -> Programs -> Cisco VPN Client.
  6. Download the appropriate connection profile (Faculty, Staff, or Students) using the links provided.
  7. Click the import button, select the .pcf file you downloaded in Step 6, and click Open.
  8. Go to the Connection Entries menu and select Create Shortcut. This will add a shortcut to your desktop for quick access. You can also right mouse-click on the connection entry in the list and select Create Shortcut from that menu.
  9. The VPN Client is ready for your use.

Start a VPN Session

  1. Verify that you have a working network connection. If you need to connect to your ISP, follow whatever steps you normally take to connect to the Internet.
  2. After you have connected to the Internet, double-click the VPN shortcut on your desktop. Depending on your client, the shortcut will be named olin-vpn-student, olin-vpn-staff, or olin-vpn-faculty.
  3. After the VPN client connects to the firewall, enter your Olin username and your password when prompted and click OK.
  4. After connecting, the window should minimize itself and you should see a closed-lock icon in your taskbar, indicating that you have successfully connected to the VPN.

End a VPN Session

  1. Right mouse-click on the VPN icon in the task bar and select disconnect. The VPN icon looks like a closed padlock.
  2. End your Internet connection if necessary.

Mac OS X

Installing the VPN Client for Mac OS X

  1. If you have OS X 10.4, download Mac OS X VPN client (v4.9.01.0100) (15 MB). If you have an older version of OS X, download Mac OS X VPN client (v4.8.00.0490) (12 MB)
  2. Download the appropriate connection profile (Faculty, Staff, or Students) using the links provided.
  3. Double-click the .dmg file to mount the disk image.
  4. Open the mounted disk (CiscoVPNClient) and double-click the .mpkg file to start the installation.
  5. Follow the prompts in the setup program, accepting the license and all the default settings.
  6. Start the VPN Client by double-clicking on the VPN Client icon in the Applications folder.
  7. Click the import button, select the .pcf file you downloaded in Step 2, and click Open.
  8. The VPN Client is ready for your use.

Start a VPN Session for Mac OS X

  1. Verify that you have a working network connection. If you need to connect to your ISP, follow whatever steps you normally take to connect to the Internet.
  2. After you have connected to the Internet, double-click the VPN Client icon in the Applications folder.
  3. Select your connection entry and click the Connect button.
  4. After the VPN client connects to the firewall, enter your Olin username and password when prompted and click OK.
  5. After connecting, the window should minimize itself and you should see a closed-lock icon in your taskbar, indicating that you have successfully connected to the VPN.

End a VPN Session

  1. Click on the VPN icon in the task bar and select disconnect. The VPN icon looks like a closed padlock.
  2. End your Internet connection if necessary.

Linux

  1. Download the VPN Client (1.95 MB) and appropriate connection profile (Faculty, Staff, or Students) using the links provided.
  2. Follow the instructions in the User Guide for Linux.

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