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SSL VPN Project

Information Technology is replacing the Cisco VPN with an SSL VPN access service from Juniper Networks.  Users should start transitioning now from the Cisco VPN client to the new SSL VPN service. 

What is SSL VPN?

SSL VPN is a service that offers a number of ways to connect to the JMU network from off-campus to access restricted, on-campus resources (available only from the JMU network range).  

Why is the change being made?

The current Cisco VPN is no longer supported by the vendor.

Who will be affected?

Faculty, staff, affiliates, and students trying to access restricted JMU-resources from off-campus. 

When will this take place?

The SSL VPN Service is available today.  Users should transition to the new SSL VPN Service at their earliest convenience. Remote access through the Cisco VPN client will be discontinued in October, 2012.  

Features

  • Multi-platform - runs on Windows, Mac and Linux computers.  Note:  only Windows and Mac operating systems are supported through the JMU Computing HelpDesk.

  • File Access – allows access to on-campus network file storage from off-campus, e.g. access to employee network file storage on the N: drive (IT-data1, IT-data2, IT-data3).
  • Network Connect - places your computer on the JMU network with a JMU IP address. While connected, all network traffic is routed through JMU’s network.  Network Connect is a full IPsec client. 

  • Browse and Web Bookmarks - provide quick ways to access restricted web applications.  Only the network traffic associated with the web application is routed through JMU, allowing direct network connections to other resources.

  • Terminal sessions – provide Secure Shell (SSH) access to UNIX servers and allows Windows Terminal Services connections.

  • Windows Secure Application Manager (WSAM) - provides full functionality of client-server applications that have been approved for use from off-campus.  WSAM runs on your computer intercepting network calls to configured servers or network access attempts by client applications and forwards them through the remote access tunnel to their destinations.  The need to use this access method will be rare and application specific.

Additional information about the SSL VPN service, access, installation and support can be found at  http://www.jmu.edu/computing/remote/sslvpnservices.shtml.