Overview

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a private network from a shared or public internet connection. VPNs mask your individual internet protocol (IP) address and establish secure and encrypted connections to provide greater security. At the University of Minnesota, all VPNs (except for Departmental VPNs) also require Duo Security Two-Factor Authentication. Learn how to use Duo with your VPN.

The University’s VPN permits a maximum connection of 12 hours per single session. The VPN will disconnect from your device if network traffic between your computer and the VPN system stops for more than 15 minutes. This situation typically occurs when a computer goes to sleep or is powered down.

Highlights

VPN Access Types

The University of Minnesota offers three types of VPN access: split-tunnel, full-tunnel, and departmental. (Note: Duluth manages its own VPN information. See the Duluth section under Getting Started).

When you sign in to a VPN, you will be presented with a drop-down menu from which you can choose your access type.

 

Getting Started

Duluth Faculty, Staff, and Students

Follow the instructions on the VPN: Virtual Private Network page.

Twin Cities Health Care Component Users

Follow the instructions on HST/AHC: VPN and Remote Desktop Setup.

Departmental VPN

Some departments have a dedicated VPN for their unit or campus location. To find out if your department has a dedicated VPN, and to learn how to get access, contact your local IT department.

Other Faculty, Staff, and Students

Find the VPN software and instructions for your operating system in the table below. When you connect to your VPN client, e.g., Cisco AnyConnect, a window will open with a menu of VPN access options, such as full-tunnel, split-tunnel, departmental pool. If you are having difficulty accessing your VPN, please contact Technology Help for step-by-step guidance.

Windows Operating System

Client Version Downloads and/or Instructions
AnyConnect for Windows (Recommended)

This client supports 32-bit and 64-bit processors.

 4.10.05095
  1. Download (requires UMN login).
  2. Install.
  3. Connect.

See Advanced Instructions for additional information.
Native Client for Windows
using L2TP/IPSec         

Currently not supported 

 Not Applicable  Not Applicable

Macintosh Operating System (macOS)

Client

Version

Downloads and/or Instructions
AnyConnect for Mac OS X (Recommended)

This client supports 32-bit and 64-bit processors.

 4.10.05095
  1. Download (requires UMN login).
  2. Install.
  3. Connect.

See Advanced Instructions for additional information.
Native Client for MAC using IPSec

This native client supports IPSec using the standard Cisco format Version 10.6 or greater. The standard Cisco format was not available until Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks have all tested functional.

 Not applicable
  1. Install and Connect.

See Advanced Instructions for additional information.

Linux Operating System

Client Version Downloads and/or Instructions
AnyConnect for Linux 64-bit

This client supports 64-bit processors.

 4.10.05095
Intermediate Certificates for Linux

This download supports the InCommon Intermediate signing certificates.

 Not applicable
  1. Download Tarball (requires UMN login).
  2. Install.

Mobile Operating Systems

Client Version Downloads and/or Instructions
AnyConnect for iOS and Android Devices

This client supports iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Android devices.
  • iPad 4.2.1
  • iPhone 3G 4.1
  • iPhone 3GS 4.1
  • iPhone 4 4.1
  • iPod Touch (2nd Gen) 4.1
  • Android 4.0
  1. Install.
  2. Connect.

Chrome Operating System

Client Version Downloads and/or Instructions
AnyConnect for Chrome 

This client supports Chromebooks                       

 51 or later
  1. Download (requires UMN login).
  2. Install.

Get Help

Intended Audience

Students
Instructors
Researchers
Staff & Departments
Health Sciences Affiliates
IT Staff and Partners

Cost

University-funded: no charge.

Additional Resources

Connect to the Internet & Networks
WiFi Network
Wired Network
Practice Safe Computing