Virtual Private Network
(VPN)
A. A virtual private
network (VPN) is a private data network that makes use of the public
telecommunication infrastructure, maintaining privacy through the use of a tunneling
protocol
(Relative to the Internet, tunneling is using the Internet as part of a private
secure network. The "tunnel" is the particular path that a given
company message or file might travel through the Internet) and security
procedures.
Q. How would I use MSM’s VPN?
A. You must already have
an Internet service provider (Bellsouth, AT&T or Mindspring) you can use
this software to log into the MSM network.
You will then have access to all MSM resources as if you were located on
campus. The VPN works best with a
high-speed DSL
line or cable
modem. If you have dial-up
service (28kb to 56 kb modem), it would be better to use the Remote Access offered by
MSM. There is a cost associated with
the Remote access.
Q. Is there a cost for this service?
A. There is no additional
cost charged by MSM.
Q. What happens if I experience problems with
the VPN connection?
A. Please feel free to
contact the Help Desk at 404-752-1111.
Arranges can be made to work with you to resolve any issues with your
connection.
VPN
Troubleshooting TIPS:
Q. Why does my DSL router/modem status change
to a red x when I connect to MSM through the VPN?
A. Some DSL routers/modems
will change status because you are no longer using your ISP resources. Once you connect to MSM, you are using our
IP addresses and access to the Internet.
Q. When I connect to the MSM network, I put my
username and password in, but I cannot log in.
What should I do?
A. Check to make sure you are entering your username and
password. If it does not connect,
please contact the Help Desk for assistance.
Q. When I connect to the
network in the office using my laptop, then take the laptop home, I have
trouble connecting to the VPN 3000 Concentrator from home. What is the problem?
A. The laptop may be retaining the routing information
from the LAN connection.
Microsoft routing problems can occur when a VPN
Client (VPN 3000 client, CiscoSecure VPN Client, or VPN 5000 client) gets an IP
address from the device terminating the tunnel (VPN 3000 Concentrator, router,
PIX Firewall, or VPN 5000 Concentrator) that is on the same network as the
local Network Interface Card (NIC) card. This can occur if a user has a laptop
on the corporate network with a DHCP or static IP Address (10.50.1.X), brings
his laptop home, dials into his ISP and connects using the VPN Client. If the
terminating device sends the VPN Client an IP address that is on the same
network (10.50.1.X), the user cannot send any data over the client connection.
The packets are sent to the NIC, instead of over the VPN connection, because
the traffic is still routed out the NIC. This problem occurs on Microsoft
Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0.
Symptoms of this problem are that the VPN tunnel
comes up, but the PC cannot pass traffic. A route print command will
still show the DHCP or static address, or both. If the IP address was received
through DHCP, the DHCP lease can be manually released.
1.
Open an MS-DOS window
and type winipcfg.
2.
Select Release.
·
Open an MS-DOS window
and type ipconfig /release_all.
Or follow directions for Windows 95 above.
·
Open an MS-DOS window
and type ipconfig /release.
Q. Do I need to be an
Administrator on Windows NT/2000 machines in order to load the client?
A. Yes, you must have Administrator privileges to
install the VPN Client on Windows NT and Windows 2000 because these operating
systems require Administrator privileges to bind to the existing network
drivers or to install new network drivers. The VPN Client software is
networking software; therefore you must have Administrator privileges to
install it.