Caltech VPN 3000 Introduction

If you haven't already done so, please read the VPN 3000 overview and sign up to use the VPN service.

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The Caltech VPN system allows remote computers on off-campus networks, connecting over the Internet, to appear to be on the Caltech network. This is useful for connecting to Caltech campus-only services. PLEASE NOTE, however, that some services that previously required a Caltech network connection are now accessible without need for VPN.

Welcome to Caltech's Virtual Private Network system, using the Cisco VPN 3000 Series Concentrator.

We have deployed the VPN 3000 system to replace our older VPN 5000 system. Reference the chart below to see which steps you need to take to be able to have access to the Caltech VPN 3000 system.

Have you used VPN at Caltech before?	Take the following steps:
First time Caltech VPN users	1. Read the overview below, 2. fill out the signup form, and wait for confirmation from IMSS (all VPN access is subject to approval due to encryption export regulations)
Users of the old VPN 5000 system	1. Read the overview below, 2. fill out the signup form, 3. download the appropriate client to install
Existing VPN 3000 users, re-downloading software, or getting a new OS	1. Download the appropriate client
Multi-site (Caltech and JPL/USC/UCLA) VPN 3000 users	1. Read the overview below, 2. fill out the signup form. 3. If you already have Caltech VPN access, download the Caltech profiles, otherwise wait for confirmation from IMSS
Troubleshooting help	1. Reference our troubleshooting guide. 2. If the troubleshooting guide does not resolve your problem, email vpn@its.caltech.edu for help

*Please note that the Caltech VPN authenticates using your IMSS username and password, so if you don't have an IMSS account, you will need to obtain one.

Accounts in the club, guest, class, recruit, and summer categories are not eligible for VPN service.

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Overview

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted network "tunnel" for exchanging traffic with another network. The Caltech VPN provides both a Caltech IP address for your computer and also a secure route from your computer to the Caltech network [[84][see the FAQ for more details]. In addition to providing a secure route for your network traffic, this is useful for connecting to Caltech campus-only services which require your machine to have a Caltech IP address.

Please note that some services which previously required a Caltech network connection are now accessible without the need for VPN -- reference the table below to see if you actually need VPN or if there is an easier solution.

Common Uses/Solutions	VPN-free solution	VPN 5000 (old)	VPN 3000 (new)
Send email to non-Caltech addresses from your Caltech email account	Configure your mail client to use SSL and authenticated SMTP, using our instructions here	Yes	Yes
Access Caltech IP only journals	Use the Library's authenticated proxy server	Yes	Use the Library's authenticated proxy server
Download site-licensed software from software.caltech.edu	Pick up CDs from the Help Desk	Yes	Yes
Access PCard system	Yes (accessible from anywhere)	Yes	Yes
Access REGIS	Yes, using the IMSS WebVPN solution	Yes	Yes
Access Caltech campus (131.215.xxx.xxx) systems with a Caltech IP	None (case-by-case)	Yes	Yes
Access non-Caltech campus systems with your own IP	Yes	No	Optional

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Important note for Library journal database users: Remote journal access should now be done through the Library's authenticated proxy server using your IMSS username and password. The jump-off point is located at:

http://library.caltech.edu/databases/proxy.htm

For tips on using the Library proxy service, click here to see the blurb on our troubleshooting guide.

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If you decide that you need VPN after referencing the table above, you can click on the link below to sign up for VPN.

Click here to go to the VPN 3000 signup form.