Downloading from IT’s Web Server

NB the VPN does not work for SciFinder. If you are not on campus and you want to access SciFinder, the WSU VPN will not help. Go directly to http://www.systems.wsu.edu/Griffin/ejournals/splash/SciFindSch.html and use the second link.

The VPN application is Cisco’s AnyConnect. IT makes AnyConnect available from the VPN server.

1. Start a browser and go to https://sslvpn.wsu.edu. Login with your network id.
   
2. Your browser will attempt to start Java to install AnyConnect. A popup window will open after Java launches.
   
3. Click Allow on Java’s security warning.
   
4. In this case, the automatic installation failed. The web page gives us a link to download the application. Click the link and download the application.
   

Installing the VPN Application

Installing automatically from the web page works with some browsers but not with others. When it fails, you can install from the downloaded package.

1. Open the downloaded disk image. Double click vpn.pfg to start the installation.
   
2. The installation routine begins. Click Continue.
   
3. Accept the license.
   
4. Accept the defaults.
   
5. Watch as the application installs.
   
6. Success! The application is installed. Click Close.
   

Connecting to the VPN

Using the VPN is anticlimactic. You will launch AnyConnect, authenticate and then the application will minimize itself. You will use your computer normally, but your traffic masquerades as being from the Pullman campus.

1. Launch the AnyConnect application. If the destination name is blank, enter sslvpn.wsu.edu.
   
2. You are challenged to authenticate. Enter your network id.
   
3. If all has gone well, the VPN server accepts your login. AnyConnect minimizes to the menu bar. You start using your computer normally.