4/5/2016: Two-factor authentication is now deployed on SLAC VPN gateways, if you are already enrolled you will be asked for 2nd factor (push, token, etc.)
Quick instruction guide
On a SLAC built windows device the vpn client is pre-installed, so you can just go on start menu -> launch Cisco Anyconnect Secure mobility client. Then ensure the connection string is "vpn.slac.stanford.edu" and click on connect. Enter your SLAC's windows credentials, accept the banner and you are connected as indicated in the taskbar.
On personal computers, MACs or linux you will need to install the vpn client available at https://vpn.slac.stanford.edu/ . If you are using a mobile device the client to look for in the app store is "Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client".
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More detailed information is available below.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Requirements
- Connecting to the SLAC VPN Using Linux
- Connecting to the SLAC VPN Using Mac OS X
- Connecting to the SLAC VPN Using Windows
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Troubleshooting
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The SLAC VPN connects you directly to the SLAC network. All of your network traffic is sent across an encrypted link, including Internet traffic. You should adhere to the same SLAC computing policies that you do when using computers on-site. Remember to disconnect from the VPN before leaving any computer unattended.
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Detailed steps to download the
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VPN
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These instructions are hosted on a separate page. Please visit: Connecting to SLAC's VPN Using Linux
Connecting to the SLAC VPN Using Mac OS X
These instructions are hosted on a separate page. Please visit: Connecting to SLAC's VPN Using Mac OS X
Connecting to the SLAC VPN Using Windows
Open a Web Browser to our VPN Gateway
Note: it is recommended that the following steps be performed using Internet Explorer instead of Firefox or Chrome browsers.
In order to connect to the SLAC VPN, you must have the AnyConnect software installed. By going to the following webpage, we can check to make sure you have the correct software installed and configured (and up to date), and provide an automated install if it is not.
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client
The vpn clients is available upon authentication at the webpage https://vpn.slac.stanford.edu
This URL is a cluster address, it will redirect you toward an available VPN gateway
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/ . Log in and the system will detect which version is suitable for your systems.
The Java installation usually fails, but then it defaults to the manual installation. Download the VPN client by clicking on the link provided. Install it as administrator:
- On linux you need to execute the file that you downloaded as root with the command "sh vpnsetup.sh" (you can also use sudo from your regular account with the command "sudo sh vpnsetup.sh".
- On windows you need to do a right click and "Run as administrator"
- On mac you will need "to allow access" when running it
The first time you connect, you will have to manually enter the connection hostname, please set it as vpn.slac.stanford.edu
Your web browser should come up with the following series of screens
Allow Cisco Secure Desktop to Check Your System
The web page will instantiate a java applet so that it may check your system for the presence of the AnyConnect software.
This may bring up a dialog box which will prompt you to run the application or not.
- If you do not wish to see this dialog again in the future, select 'Always trust content from this publisher'
- Click on 'Run' to allow the applet to scan your system
Log In
The following web page will be presented upon the initial system scan:
- Enter your provided VPN credentials.
- For an account, goto SLAC VPN Accounts
Agree to the Banner
Upon successful login, a banner will be shown on the webpage.
- Click Continue
Initiate the AnyConnect Client
A webpage that offers various methods to access the SLAC VPN services will be presented. Click on Start Anyconnect.
Install the AnyConnect Software (if required)
If you have problems installing the AnyConnect Client, please refer to the Troubleshooting section of this document.
If necessary (either because it is your first time accessing SLAC's VPN, or if there is a new version of the AnyConnect client), the web page will present that the AnyConnect software needs to be installed.
- If you do not wish to see this dialog again in the future, select 'Always trust content from this publish'
- Click on 'Run' to install the AnyConnect Client onto your system.
Editing the hostname within the VPN client.
- Sometimes manual installation does not automatically fill in the server list. If the hostname does not appear in the VPN client, i.e. it appears as:
Enter in the textbox the hostname: vpn.slac.stanford.edu This is a cluster address transparently using an available vpn gateway.
You have connected to SLAC's VPN Service
Upon successful VPN negotiation, you should get the following popup from AnyConnect showing that you have connected to SLAC's VPN service. You may now close this webpage and you will remain connected.
Disconnecting from the SLAC VPN
The AnyConnect client exists as a tray icon; you can get to it from the System tray next to the clock in the bottom right of your screen.
- To disconnect click on 'Disconnect'
An common request from users is to be able to map drive, this is working when connected through the VPN. Documentation from the windows team is here: http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/comp/windows/docs/VPN/VPN.aspx
What to Do if You Have Problems
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