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Virtual Private Network (VPN) User Guide

Article Contents

• What is VPN?
  
• Why use VPN?
• How to use the VPN?
• What platforms are supported?
• Windows or Mac Setup
• iOS or Android Setup

What is VPN?

 A virtual private network (VPN) is a way to create a secure, encrypted connection between two networks over the Internet. A computer connected to UT's VPN is considered to be on the UT network, even if that computer is located off campus or on another ISP's website.

Why use VPN?

Certain secure resources such as IRIS and T-Storage require computers to be connected to the UT network over a secure channel. This means that if a computer is not on UT's encrpyted network (via Ethernet or eduroam) it must be connected via the VPN in order to use these services. This is required in order to protect sensitive information and comply with information security standards.

How to use the VPN?

For some functions, the VPN can be accessed via the web portal at https://access.utk.edu but most functions of the VPN require a VPN client. The VPN client supported by the university is called Juniper Pulse Secure and can be downloaded at our software downloads site under VPN.

What platforms are supported?

The following guidelines were published by Juniper Networks, the provider of UT's SSL-VPN system.

 Qualified Platform: The platforms listed as qualified have been systematically tested by the Pulse Secure Quality Assistance department as part of this release.

 Compatible Platform: The platforms listed as compatible have not been systematically tested by Juniper's QA department but based on testing from previous releases and knowledge of the platforms, Juniper expects that the functionality will work and will fully support these platforms.

Qualified Platforms:

• Windows 10 Enterprise, 64 bit
• Windows 8.1 Enterprise, 64 bit
• Windows 8.1, 32 bit
• Windows 8 Enterprise, 64 bit
• Windows 7 SP1 Enterprise, 64 bit
• macOS  10.11, 10.10 and 10.9, 64 bit 

Qualified Browsers:

• Internet Explorer 9, 10, 11
• Firefox ESR
• Safari 8.x and 7.x

Compatible Platforms:

• Windows 10 Enterprise, 32 bit
• Windows 10 (non-Enterprise), 32 and 64 bit
• Windows 8.1 Enterprise, 32 bit
• Windows 8, 32 or 64 bit
• Windows 8 Enterprise, 32 bit
• Windows 8 Pro, 32 or 64 bit
• Windows 7 Ultimate, 32 bit or 64 bit
• Windows 7 Professional, 32 bit or 64 bit
• Windows 7 Home Basic, 32 bit or 64 bit
• Windows 7 Home Premium, 32 bit or 64 bit
• macOS 10.8, 64 bit

Compatible Browsers:

• Internet Explorer 8.0
• Internet Explorer 7.0
• Firefox 3.0 and later
• Google Chrome
• Safari 6.0, 6.1

 

Windows or Mac

Pulse Secure (you may also see it referred to as Junos Pulse) is the latest client for connecting to the SSL-VPN from a Windows or Mac. General instructions for configuring the client for either operating system are below. 

1. Download and install the Pulse Secure/Junos Pulse application found under the VPN section of the OIT Software Download Site.
2. Once installed, launch Pulse Secure/Junos Pulse.
3. Select the plus to add a new connection.
4. Give the connection a name, such as "UTK VPN" and enter the server name: access.utk.edu
   
5. Once configured, click Connect.
6. Next you will select your realm. Unless otherwise specified, select Users as your realm and click Connect. Optional: You may save your settings to expedite the login process in the future. 
   
7. You will be prompted to enter your NetID and password. Optional: You may save your settings to expedite the login process in the future.  
   User Name: your-netid
   Password: your-netid password
   
8. Windows: Once connected, Junos Pulse will appear in your task tray. Selecting the Pulse Secure icon, will allow you to turn Pulse off or on, open the Pulse window, connect, discconnect, cancel, suspend, resume, or extend your VPN session.
   
   Mac: Once connected, Junos Pulse will appear in your menu bar. Selecting the Pulse Secure icon, will allow you to turn Pulse off or on, open the Pulse window, connect, discconnect, cancel, suspend, resume, or extend your VPN session.
   
9. To disconnect your VPN session, select Disconnect from the Secure Pulse window, task tray, or menu bar shortcut.

 

iOS or Android

To connect to the VPN from your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad running iOS:

1. Download and install the free app Pulse Secure from the iTunes App Store.
   **Note: this is a third party application. OIT does not support the application beyond configuration instructions.
2. Once Pulse Secure is installed, launch the application and click on Please Add a Connection
   
3. Enter the following information on the configuration screen:
   Connection Name (optional): You can enter any name you want for this.
   URL: access.utk.edu
   Username: your-netid
4. Click Add.
   
5. Tap Connect on the main screen to connect to the VPN.
   
6. Enter your NetID Password when you see the access.utk.edu page and tap Sign In or Go from the keyboard. If you entered your NetID above, this will be pre-populated for you.
   
7. You are now connected to the VPN. Tap Disconnect to end your session.

 

 

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