NOTE:
- This service is only available to Calvin faculty and staff.
- You must first make a VPN connection to Calvin before you can log in to Novell from your Calvin-owned laptop from off campus.
** VPN does not work with all connections. If you have followed all the directions for setting up the VPN and it does not work in your current location, it is probably a problem with the network that you are connecting from.
- What is a VPN connection?
- Why should I connect to Calvin's VPN?
- When should I NOT connect to Calvin's VPN?
- How do I set up a VPN connection?
What is a VPN connection?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A virtual private network is an extension of a company's private network to a machine that is not on that network. A VPN can be used to 'virtually' connect a computer to a company's private network through some shared or untrusted network, such as the Internet or public wireless access points. When a VPN is established, a secure communications channel is set-up between your computer and the company's network, and all the communications to the company's network goes through this channel. For Calvin, connecting to our VPN will allow you to 'virtually' be on Calvin's campus, even though you might be at home or half-way across the world!
Why should I connect to Calvin's VPN?
Some computer networks are unsecure by nature, which allows for hackers or other people to 'peek in' on the data you transmit across them. These peeks can be just minor things, such as seeing that you are visiting CNN's Website, but can also pick up things like un-encrypted usernames and passwords. If a hacker or someone else found out your username and password, they could get into your e-mail or other sensitive items.
By establishing a connection to Calvin's VPN you are slamming shut the door on these people who want to get at your personal information. A VPN connection is a totally encrypted communications channel between your computer and Calvin's network, regardless of the networks you travel over between them. Establishing a connection to Calvin's VPN protects your information as it travels over the Internet, wireless networks, or any other public networks.
You should establish a VPN connection to Calvin in these circumstances:
- You are using any service that has an un-encrypted username or password, such as IMAP or POP3 e-mail.
- You are working with data that has HIPAA or other privacy concerns.
- You need to access on campus-only services when off-campus.
- From off-campus you need to connect to Novell from your Calvin laptop.
When should I NOT connect to Calvin's VPN?
There are many times when you should not connect to Calvin's VPN. If you are just surfing the Internet, or do not need any access to private resources at Calvin you should NOT establish a VPN connection. Establishing a VPN connection before doing these things just consumes Calvin's Internet bandwidth and other technology resources.
How do I set up a VPN connection?
Below are easy step-by-step instructions on how to connect to Calvin's VPN. Note: Calvin's VPN is only for use by faculty and staff. Please choose the instructions for your operating system:
