Introduction to Virtual Private Networking
The WSU Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Service allows exclusive access to WSU network resources for current WSU students, faculty, and staff who are at home, traveling abroad or using the WSU wireless network in Pullman.
VPN will provide a secure and encrypted path into WSU's network from insecure networks located in hotels, homes (public Internet connections) and wireless access points (located on the WSU Pullman campus). Using this service will allow you to send e-mail using WSU's mail servers and to access all other special services that are limited to WSU users.
You must first connect to the Internet using dial-up, wireless, or other internet service. Once connected to the Internet, VPN Client software on your computer is used to establish a secure encrypted "tunnel" to a VPN Gateway connected to the WSU network. Once the secure connection to the VPN Gateway is established, you will need to supply your WSU NetworkID and password to gain access to the WSU network.
Split Tunneling and the PPTP and IP/Sec VPN clients:
Off Campus Users:
When off campus customers use a PPTP VPN client to connect to WSU, all network traffic (regardless of its destination) will be securely tunneled to the WSU network. In comparison, the IP/Sec VPN client will securely tunnel only the traffic bound for specific WSU network IP ranges (134.121.x.x). The non-WSU bound traffic will be 'split' away from the secure VPN tunnel at the customer's computer and travel un-encrypted over the customer local ISP network to the non-WSU destination.
Wireless Users:
Split tunneling is not used when campus wireless customers use either the PPTP or the IP/Sec VPN client. All traffic is tunneled securely when using either client.
Who Can Use the WSU VPN Service?
Enrolled students and current employees of Washington State University can use the VPN Service.
A valid Network User ID is required.
Vendors and visitors who are sponsored by a WSU unit may obtain a Friend Account (in lieu of a network ID) for use with the Wireless LAN.
Need Assistance or More Information?
Call 335-4357 (335-HELP)