Cisco VPN Introduction

The Cisco VPN Client is desktop software that secures traffic between your machine and restricted services. With the Cisco VPN Client software running in the background, all restricted traffic is automatically routed using Advanced Encryption Standards (AES) or DES3 (triple Data Encryption Standards).

For most of the VPN networking we provide, communication to off-campus sites or unrestricted campus services is routed directly through the public Internet, not tunneled through the Cisco VPN Client. The software does not need to be started or stopped as you move between restricted and unrestricted sites. This ensures that unrestricted services are not slowed by the Cisco VPN Client software.

This service requires installation of the Cisco VPN Client software and registration for a certificate through NetReg.

Most of the VPN networks provide you with a Carnegie Mellon local IP address in the 172.31.*.* range. This allows you access to restricted services that are part of the Carnegie Mellon network, however, it will not allow you access to services that are outside the Carnegie Mellon network.

For external restricted sites, use the VPN-Library network when you register, or use the WebVPN service.

Last Updated 6/9/09