The VPDN (Virtual Private Dial-up Network) service provides an encrypted, and therefore secure, connection via an external ISP to facilities that are restricted to computers on the CUDN (cam-only facilities).
The bandwidth available will be that of the external network. The user authentication and subsequent traffic will be encrypted and will provide a secure connection even over insecure intermediate networks. This service is only available to staff and students of the University.
Client software is available for Mac OSX, for 32-bit Windows platforms other than Windows 95 and Windows NT, and for Linux:
| Platform | Leaflet | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XP | Microsoft native client recommended: both XP Home and XP Professional contain all the necessary components. | G53 |
| Cisco client not supplied by the CS, since it is not believed to be necessary. (The version of the client supplied on CD for Windows 2000 and XP will not work with Vista). | N/A | |
| Windows Vista | Microsoft native client recommended: both Vista Business, Home Extra and Ultimate contain all the necessary components. | G56 |
| Cisco client not supplied by the CS, since it is not believed to be necessary. (The version of the client supplied on CD for Windows 2000 and XP will not work with Vista) | N/A | |
| Windows 7 | Microsoft native client recommended: both Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate contain all the necessary components. | G57 |
| Cisco client not supplied by the CS, since it is not believed to be necessary. (The version of the client supplied on CD for Windows 2000 and XP will not work with Windows 7). | N/A | |
| Macintosh OSX | Macintosh native client deprecated. | N/A |
| Cisco client recommended: requires installation; subject to usage and export restrictions imposed by the US government. | G58 | |
| Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad etc) | Currently not supported due to incompatibilities with the VPN infrastructure. | N/A |
| Linux | Locally modified GPL client recommended; requires installation. | See here |
| Cisco client deprecated: requires installation; subject to usage and export restrictions imposed by the US government. | N/A |
To use this service you must register by completing the online form at http://userforms.csx.cam.ac.uk/vpdn.
Potential users of this service should note that, depending on the platform used and the means by which the remote computer is connected to the external ISP, the configuration of the remote computer, the client software and possible intermediate devices such as firewalls can be complex, requiring a substantial degree of technical competence. Furthermore, because of the variety of remote computer types, operating systems and their configuration, network connections and ISPs, together with the fact that the installation is remote, the Computing Service does not undertake to provide support in configuring or sorting out problems relating to the remote end. In particular it should be noted that we are unable to provide any support in using PDAs or other mobile devices with the VPDN service and that anyone who attempts this should consider themselves to be entirely on their own.