Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an infrastructure than provides individual users secure remote access to a network.

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• Connect to remote network securely
• Uses encryption and tunneling to permit organizations to establish secure, end-to-end, connections over third-party networks

You must download a client to connect via VPN.

A VUnetID and ePassword is required to log in to download VPN clients. VUnetID login is also required to connect to the network.

VPN FAQ
Vanderbilt VPN (SSL VPN) Account Request form
Vanderbilt VPN (SSL VPN) iPad / iPhone instructions
VUMC Secure File Transfer

VPN access is free for Vanderbilt Faculty, Students, and Staff

(legacy) Vanderbilt VPN

OS: Windows / Macintosh / Linux / Solaris
(download)
 

Vanderbilt VPN
OS:  Windows / Macintosh
(Vanderbilt VPN instructions)

Contact your LSP or LAN Manager for assistance.
ITS Help Desk (University)
LAN manager (VUMC)

Transmitting information across the Internet is by its nature an insecure method of transmitting data. Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology uses encryption and tunneling to permit organizations to establish secure, end-to-end, connections over third-party networks, such as the Internet. A VPN provides a portion of a security infrastructure while preserving the convenience and flexibility of off campus access. The VPN helps preserve data confidentiality and data integrity.

Vanderbilt will recommend and encourage the use of a VPN located at its network perimeter to enhance secure off campus communication and promote more restrictive access to VU servers. A VPN does not replace, but enhances, security measures that should be found at the operating system, application level and at the department level.
 
There are two parts to a VPN solution: the VPN concentrator and the VPN client software.
The VPN concentrator is a hardware device located on the Vanderbilt campus. The VPN client is software that is installed on the computer that you will use off campus. The client works with the VPN concentrator to create a secure connection, commonly referred to as a tunnel, between your computer and the concentrator.
For example, to use a remote PC, you connect to the Internet, then start the VPN client and establish a secure connection through the Internet to the campus network. When you access any application, the VPN concentrator uses a strong encryption algorithm to encrypt the data and transmits it through the tunnel to your VPN client. The VPN client software decrypts the information so you can read it on your remote PC. If you update the data , the VPN client encrypts and returns the data to the network through the VPN concentrator.

For more information about this VPN implementation, read the Frequently Asked Questions list, and then contact ITS Partner Support staff by calling 615-936-ITSP (6-4877) or by submitting your request online