Cisco VPN

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 Standard).

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/stopped as you move between restricted and unrestricted sites. This ensures that unrestricted services are not slowed by the Cisco VPN Client software.

For the VPN-Library network, all of your Internet traffic will be tunneled through the Cisco VPN Client. This allows you to access restricted databases that the Libraries subscribe to, but which are not hosted on campus. Because the databases are outside of the Carnegie Mellon network, all of your Internet traffic needs to go through the VPN, so that it can be properly handled. However, this also means that all other Internet traffic may be slowed because it is being tunneled through the VPN. We recommend that you disconnect your connection through the Cisco VPN Client when you do not need to access restricted Library services. Visit the University Libraries Remote Access site for more Library specific information.

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. 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.