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 network.
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 encrypted network (via Ethernet or eduroam) it must be connected via the VPN in order to use these services. The VPN is required in order to protect sensitive information and comply with information security standards.
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 Pulse Secure and can be downloaded at our software downloads site under the VPN category.
The Pulse Secure client is available from OIT for use on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix systems. OIT provides full support for both the Windows and macOS client. **OIT provides limited support for the VPN on Unix or Linux clients. Basic instructions for Linux are available in the KB.
Pulse Secure 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.
To connect to the VPN from your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad running iOS:
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