Note: New VPN hardware was installed in May 2008. If you're using the old client, there's no need to make any changes.

The UCSD VPN creates a virtual private connection over public networks using encryption and other security checks to help protect against computer data transmission interception. It also helps ensure only authorized users can access campus networks.

With VPN, network computing traffic between your remote machine (off-campus or wireless) and campus passes over a single, encrypted connection, and your remote machine has a UCSD IP address.

Benefits of using UCSD's expanded VPN service:

• You have easy, secure access to many campus services and remote desktop computing without installing software.
• Your remote machine appears as though it's physically at UCSD (with a UCSD IP address). You don't need to use Web proxy to access campus-restricted materials.
• Your communications with UCSD are encrypted. This helps protect passwords and reduces the risk of exposing sensitive data.
• You can access border-blocked ports, including the Microsoft services that UCSD blocks from non-VPN remote access.

Connect to UCSD's VPN using one of these options:

• Download the VPN AnyConnect client — Install the client for secure access to UCSD services by either:
  
  • Web interface installation:
    • Windows XP/ Vista
    • Mac OS X 10.4.x and Above
• Conventional installation:
  • Windows XP/ Vista
  • Mac OS X 10.4.x and Above
  • GNU/ Linux

• Use the EasyConnect Web interface — Easily and securely access UCSD services without installing the client:
  
  1. Go to https://vpn.ucsd.edu
  2. Enter your Active Directory (AD) username and password.
  3. Select EasyConnect from the Group drop-down menu, and click Sign On. You now can access campus services, including:
     • Campus Exchange (Outlook Web Access)
     • Campus Network Status
     • Link Family (FinancialLink, TravelLink, etc.)
     • UCSD Libraries

• Access remote desktop computing — Easily and securely access remote desktop computing without installing the client:
  
  1. Go to https://vpn.ucsd.edu
  2. Enter your Active Directory (AD) username and password.
  3. Select EasyConnect from the Group drop-down menu, and click Sign On.
     • For Windows remote desktop computing, click Terminal Servers.
     • For virtual network computing (VNC), click VNC Connections.
• Note: If you don't know the name of the campus desktop you're trying to reach, contact your department's system administrator.

To reset your Active Directory (AD) username or password, go to https://adweb.ucsd.edu/adpass or contact your department's system administrator.

Having trouble with the old client? Try the new options above, or see Troubleshooting Connections With the Old VPN Client.

Questions? Contact the ACT Help Desk, (858) 534-1853.