MIT has deployed a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to assist MIT clients with connectivity on and off campus. The VPN provides a solution to work through the various port blocks, firewalls and other things that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and administrators have done to protect their clients and prevent spam, virus outbreaks, and other network abuse. These preventative measures often interrupt or prevent legitimate work from happening.
Benefits
- Can help resolve a number of issues associated with email, calendaring, Windows file sharing, and other network-based applications
- Provides a consistent experience using MITnet regardless of where you are connecting from
Key Features
IS&T recommends and supports Cisco's AnyConnect VPN. It is a VPN client that can be installed and launched from a web browser, and it works on a wide variety of operating systems and hardware configurations.
Requirements
Cisco AnyConnect VPN client and service will work under Mac OS X (including 10.6 Snow Leopard), Windows (Vista and Windows 7, including 64-bit versions), and Linux.
Accessibility note: Screen reader users must use Internet Explorer to successfully run the web-based VPN service.
Getting Started
Installation and startup are initiated via a web page that installs and launches a signed ActiveX or Java VPN client to connect to MIT's service quickly and easily. If for some reason neither the ActiveX or Java clients work, you will be given the option to manually download and install the software.
Once you have successfully connected to the MIT VPN on any given machine, you do not have to go to the website again. The VPN software is installed locally on your workstation. You can launch the MIT VPN from your applications folder or Start menu.
- Install now: vpn.mit.edu
- For more information: Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client at MIT