WPI's Virtual Private Network (VPN)

There are two versions of the VPN client available. You may use either the Java based on-line version, which does not permanently install any software on the local machine, or the Windows native version, which allows you simply launch a small client without having to navigate to the portal page. Both offer the same level of network access and functionality. Note that if you have installed the Windows native client, attempting to use the online Java version will launch the Windows native version instead.

Compatibility notes:

No 64 bit versions of Windows XP are supported.
The NetDirect client does not support Vista. Vista users should use the Vista client.

There are two versions of the client you may select from:

Windows Native
Java Browser Based

VPN Client and Browser Crash Fix

There is a known issue which will cause any program, including the NetDirect VPN client and any web browsers, to immediately crash on any attempt to access vpn.wpi.edu. You may download a fix for this problem here. To help prevent the problem from occurring, make sure to always log out of the VPN client before shutting down or suspending your system.

Windows Native Netdirect Client

Software Requirements

Windows XP with SP2 or later
An account with local administrator access

Download the XP client from the client download page.
Run the installer program.
Once the installation is complete, you must reboot before the VPN will function properly.

The first time you run the VPN, it will ask you for the connection settings. Fill them in as follows.

Connection	A name of your choice, such as "WPI VPN"
Description	A description of your choice, such as "WPI VPN Connection"
Destination	vpn.wpi.edu
Digital Certificate Authentication	This should be unchecked
User Name	Your CCC username.
Password	Your CCC password. This will not be saved.

You may then click the "Connect" button to login and use the VPN.

Java Portal Netdirect Client

Software Requirements

Windows XP with SP2 or newer
Internet Explorer 6 or Firefox 1.5 or newer
Cookies enabled in your browser of choice
Java enabled in your browser of choice
An account with local administrator access
Java 1.4.2 or newer

If you do not have a compatible version of Java installed, you may download one directly from Sun at http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Directions

Navigate in the web browser of your choice to http://vpn.wpi.edu.
Log in with your CCC username and password.
Click on the "Launch Netdirect VPN" link.
This will launch a small status window containing the Netdirect Java application.
When the Netdirect client has successfully completed, it will display a banner message and minimize itself into the system tray. Note that if close the browser window or click on the "Logout" link you will be immediately disconnected from the VPN!
When you are ready to disconnect from the VPN client, you may do so simply by closing the browser window you logged into the portal page with.

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: Dec 21, 2008, 00:21 EST