Duke

A virtual private network (VPN) allows for a secure connection into a private network over the public network. Although you are connecting from a remote location, the VPN makes the connection work as if you were on a direct connection into our network.

A VPN allows a user in a remote location to access information as if the computer were connected directly into the network. The secure VPN connection keeps confidential data safe as it is transferred across the public network.

If you are surfing the web, you do not need a VPN connection. In fact, you might find your web surfing slowed by a VPN connection. However, if you must access information restricted to the Duke network—like e-Reserves or other library databases, department servers, HR data or protected health information—you need to be on a VPN connection.

Duke uses a Cisco secure sockets layer (SSL) VPN, so the connection is made over the web without specialized client software. The "Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client" icon you'll see on your desktop represents the "thin client" that simply sets up the web connection. To add VPN capability to your Apple mobile device (running iOS 4.1 or later), follow the instructions in the knowledgebase article How to access the Duke University web based VPN at portal.duke.edu.