IT Help Central - Division of Information Technology
Texas Tech University
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What is VPN and why is it in use?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a method to communicate through a dedicated server securely to a corporate network over the internet. This allows access to resources inside the protected network from a remote location.
VPN has been implemented to allow Faculty, Staff, and Students of Texas Tech access to sensitive resources only available while connected to the TTU network. Examples of resources include Exchange Email, Library Resources, TechNet, and various other services.
What Operating Systems support VPN?
- Microsoft Windows XP (with Service Pack 1 or 2)
- Microsoft Windows Vista
- Macintosh Panther 10.3 and 10.4
How can I obtain software to upgrade my OS?
- Windows: Upgrades for Windows are available through a site license between TTU and Microsoft. Windows Upgrades can be obtained via download from the eRaider website at http://www.eRaider.ttu.edu or can be purchased on CD at the High Tech Computer Store on campus.
- Macintosh: Upgrades for Macintosh can be purchased through the High Tech Computer Store on campus or from any other retailer that sells the Macintosh Operating System.
Note: There may be an additional expense associated with upgrading your computer's OS such as operating systems not covered by TTU's site-license or costs associated with receiving outside technical assistance for operating system installation.
Can I use a personal firewall (such as ZoneAlarm / Black ICE / McAfee Firewall, etc) with VPN?
Yes, but these types of software can sometimes cause intermittent connectivity issues with VPN. IT Help Central recommends using Windows XP SP2's built-in firewall instead.
I have a home network. What do I need to configure for VPN to work?
In order for VPN to work on a home network, the following things must be enabled on your home router:
- VPN Pass Through for PPTP.
- Ports 47 and 1723 must be opened.
Due to their varying nature, home networks are not supported by IT Help Central.
From a home network, can more than one simultaneous VPN connection be established with only one public IP address?
No. On a home network, computers are normally given what is called a private IP address; the router is given the public IP address. Due to the nature of the VPN technology, only one simultaneous VPN connection can be established from a home network utilizing private IP addresses.
Some apartment complexes have only one
public/external IP address, then they use NAT and internal IP addresses for
their residents. Therefore, with the current network setup that is utilized
by these apartment complexes, it is only possible to establish one VPN
connection at a time from each complex to Texas Tech.
Currently, Raiders Pass, University Courtyards, University Trails, The Reserve, and University Fountains are known
apartment complexes with this type of setup. As with any such situation, the
resident can consult with the staff at their apartment complex to verify how
the Internet connection is configured.
In choosing my ISP, what question do I need to ask to see if they block VPN?
You should ask if PPTP VPN is allowed. You should also ask if ports 47 and 1723 are open and if you will have a public IP address. The answer to all of these questions must be yes in order for VPN connectivity to work.
If I am local to Lubbock, is there an alternate service provider to connect with so that I don't have to use VPN?
Yes, you may use the TTU PPP (dial-up) service to connect to the TTU network. Cost of TTU PPP service is $84.00 per year.
If I am using TTU's PPP service, do I need to use VPN?
No. If you are using the TTU PPP (dial-up) service, you will already be placed inside the TTU network.
What is the cost of VPN?
VPN is offered free of charge to anyone with a valid Texas Tech eRaider account according to the profiles posted at http://www.net.ttu.edu/docs/eraider_service_profile.htm.
When I connect to VPN, all I get is an asterisk (*) in the top left corner of my window. I still cannot access library resources. Why?
It has been reported that users connecting with a browser-based dial-up provider such as AOL or Wal-Mart Online have reported being unable to access websites after connecting to VPN and, instead, see only an asterisk in the top-left corner of the screen. This is a known issue, and can be worked around by simply using Internet Explorer as the web browser for the duration of being connected to the VPN connection.
Why am I receiving an error 691 when I try to connect to VPN?
Error 691 is most often associated with using the incorrect username/password combination. Verify that you are using the correct username and password and that your caps lock key is not on. If you are still unable to connect, please contact IT Help Central at 742-HELP (4357).
Note: There is a known issue that some domain policies may prohibit VPN connections, but TTU, TTUHSC, HSC7LAN domains should allow it.
