Service overview
The 91丝瓜视频 VPN allows for secure communications over the Internet to a specific network, such as 91丝瓜视频's network. It requires user authentication and uses the SSL protocol to encrypt data. This method ensures that only members of the 91丝瓜视频 community have access to the network and that the data they are sending is secure.
NOTE: VPN connection is NOT needed to access most Library resources.
- 91丝瓜视频 students, faculty, and staff can simply click on any resource link from the 91丝瓜视频 Libraries website and they will be prompted to sign into听EZproxy, a service which provides access to the materials you are allowed to view based on your student, faculty, or staff member status. 厂别别听When to use the Virtual Private Network below for more information.
- 91丝瓜视频 alumni can access Electronic resources for alumni from off-campus via EZ Proxy by simply signing in with their 91丝瓜视频 Username and Password when prompted.
Due to licensing restrictions, only 91丝瓜视频 students, faculty, and staff are allowed to access restricted library resources, whether through VPN or EZproxy.
You will be prompted to authenticate with 2FA every time you log into VPN. This applies whether you are on or off campus.听
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When to use the Virtual Private Network (VPN)
When you are not connected to the 91丝瓜视频 network (e.g., working from home), you must use the VPN to access 91丝瓜视频 restricted sites and resources, including:
- printing to uPrint machines via device drivers
- accessing 91丝瓜视频 computers and servers via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), e.g., staff computers, Banner INB and ApplicationXtender
- personal drives (F:, P:, W:) on the 91丝瓜视频 network
- accessing infrastructure management services
- accessing 91丝瓜视频 WMS sites on staging.mcgill.ca or on development servers such as RAS and QA
- using some of the recommended by 91丝瓜视频 Libraries. (Note: You do not need VPN to access Library resources via direct links on the Library website except for the ones listed .)
Please note: You will be prompted to authenticate with 2FA every time you log into VPN. This applies to all users whether they are on or off campus.听
The following resources do not require VPN:
- 91丝瓜视频's public web site pages (www.mcgill.ca) and the site听admin interface for live sites (it is required for staging sites)
- Outlook on the web ()
- Personal storage on OneDrive (cloud file storage)
- Most Library resources. (Exceptions apply for certain recommended by 91丝瓜视频 Libraries as well as some resources, including those listed .)
- Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps
- Minerva
Not sure if you need to use VPN?
See When to use VPN and Remote Desktop (RDP)
Who can use it
91丝瓜视频 students, faculty, staff, affiliates (non-91丝瓜视频 staff who work in 91丝瓜视频-affiliated hospitals, or 91丝瓜视频-affiliated companies/professionals providing services to 91丝瓜视频), and visitors (such as visiting faculty). Retired faculty and staff are also eligible.
How to request and access the service
What credentials you need to set up a VPN connection
Note:
VPN access requires two-factor authentication (2FA).
- 91丝瓜视频 students, faculty, and staff (including retirees): You need a 91丝瓜视频 Username and 91丝瓜视频 Password.听
- Affiliates and visitors: A sponsor who is a full-time 91丝瓜视频 faculty or staff member can request a 91丝瓜视频 Username for you by submitting the form.
- 91丝瓜视频-affiliated companies: A sponsor who is a full-time 91丝瓜视频 faculty or staff member can request a "restricted VPN account" to allow external 91丝瓜视频-affiliated employees secure access to restricted servers and services (e.g., application servers) from off campus. Please contact the IT Service Desk and provide details about the affiliated party and the type of VPN access needed.
Connecting to 91丝瓜视频's VPN
Use the Cisco Secure Client app to connect your computer to 91丝瓜视频's VPN.
To install the Cisco Secure Client app, follow the instructions for your operating system:
- Windows
- Mac OS
- Linux / Ubuntu
- iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
- Android
Note: If your platform is not listed here please contact the IT Service Desk and they will assess your VPN needs on a case-by-case basis. In many cases, there are alternatives.
Once you have finished accessing 91丝瓜视频 restricted sites, disconnect from the 91丝瓜视频 VPN as there are a limited number of simultaneous VPN connections available.
NOTE: Verify the version of Cisco Secure Client
- Click on the Cisco Secure Client icon.
- In the box that opens, click on the About icon:
- The next screen will display the version number.
NOTE: Automatic timeout
VPN connections are terminated automatically after 48 hours, regardless of being active or not.
Cost
There is no cost associated with this service. If you are a student, the cost is covered under the IT portion of your student fees.
Availability
This service is available 24 X 7, except during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Check the System Status page for announcements regarding service interruptions.
Best practices & policies
- On iOS, if you have a previously configured a VPN connection named "91丝瓜视频 VPN," make sure to delete it before setting up your new VPN connection on Cisco Secure Client, or choose a different name for the new VPN connection.
- Once you have established that the Cisco Secure Client app works, delete any other 91丝瓜视频 VPN connections you may have configured on your computer or mobile.
- When you have finished accessing 91丝瓜视频 restricted sites, disconnect from the VPN. There are a limited number of simultaneous VPN connections available.
Training & documentation
See VPN setup instructions in the Connecting to 91丝瓜视频's VPN section above.
Support
Contact the IT Service Desk
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