Installing the Cisco Mac OS X VPN Client and Connecting to USM
IT Network Services is implementing a Virtual Private network (VPN). The VPN encrypts the network connection to USM when a computer is off-campus or using the wireless network. The VPN does not monitor your traffic for content; it only encrypts traffic so that it cannot be viewed.
Installing the Cisco VPN Client for Macintosh will allow your Macintosh (running Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5) to securely connect to USM network resources — such as network volumes, printers, and databases — from off-campus, or from tempest, USM's wireless network.
Note: You must first contact the USM Help Desk, 780-4029, helpdesk@usm.maine.edu, to set up a VPN account before installing and using the VPN client.
- 1. Installing the Cisco VPN Client
Once the USM Help Desk has set up your VPN account, you may download the installer by clicking on the following link, or entering the web address into your Internet browser:
https://www.usm.maine.edu/computing/downloads/cisco/osx-vpn.dmgTo download the software, you'll need your USM GroupWise or USM network user name and password. Once you've copied the installer to you computer or downloaded it from the USM web site, double-clicking on the osx-vpn.dmg disk image file should open to reveal the files and folders in the pictured screen, entitled CicsoVPNClient. To continue the installation, double-click on the Cisco VPN Client.mpkg icon and follow the instructions. By default, the program — called VPNClient — will be installed in the default Applications folder (Macintosh HD -> Applications -> VPNClient).
- 2. Double-click the VPNClient program
- After you open it, you'll see a window similar to the one in the next step.
- 3. Connect to USM using VPNclient
In the VPNClient program, highlight the USM line under Connection Entry, and press the Connect icon in the upper left.
- 4. Enter user name and password
This is your USM GroupWise or USM network user name and password.
- 5. Confirm your connection
If you've successfully connected, the title bar in the VPNClient window will indicate it ("status: Connected | VPNClient...") and the Connect icon will have changed to a Disconnect icon. In the lower part of the window (not pictured), you'll see "Connected to USM" and an IP address beginning with either "130.111" or "10.5"
- 6. The network now considers you to be located on campus
- Now you can connect to the normal on-campus resources you're used to. For most users, this means your network drives: N:/ and U:/ drives from a PC or USER volumes from a Mac. In addition, this may mean you can do library database searches as if you're on campus, or even send a print file to a network printer.
- 7. Disconnecting from USM
To disconnect from USM, first eject any USM network volumes (such as USER3) that you've connected to. Then click on the Disconnect icon in the VPN Client window. In the lower left corner of the window, you'll notice the "disconnecting the connection" message.
- 8. Possible error messages
If you see this — or a similar — error message, it may mean that your computer has lost its Internet connection. To re-connect, open VPNClient again, and log on.
- 9. Other problems
- Please contact USM's Help Desk at (207) 780-4029, or send an email to helpdesk@usm.maine.edu.
