Why use the VPN?

Physics Computing Services provides an SSL-VPN server, vpn.physics.ucsb.edu, that can be used to access protected resources on the Physics Network.

• The Virtual Office provides access to protected resources on the Physics Network via a secure web browser window
  • The following resource types can be used: HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, VNC, FTP, Telnet, RDP, Windows file shares (CIFS, SMB)
  • You can create personal bookmarks for frequently accessed resources
    
• The standalone NetExtender client provides a direct private network connection to the Physics Network (for applications or protocols not supported above, or for general convenience when connecting to multiple applications in a telecommuting situation)
  • NetExtender clients are available for Windows, Mac and Linux
  • An IP address is assigned in the range 128.111.17.145-160

To request an account on the VPN:

• Complete a PCS Computer Account Request form and specify VPN in the "File Server" section
• PCS will contact you when your account has been configured
  

To connect to the Virtual Office:

• Open a web browser and go to: https://vpn.physics.ucsb.edu
  • Click on Add Bookmark to add access to a new resource
  • Fill in the Bookmark Name
  • In the Name/IP Address field, put in the fully-qualified domain name or path to the resource, i.e. www.physics.ucsb.edu/~jdoe/protectedpage Do NOT use the leading part of the URL (like http://) or your bookmark will not work.
  • Click Add
  • Click on your newly-created bookmark to test its functionality

To use the NetExtender client (Win, Mac or Linux):

• Open a web browser and go to: https://vpn.physics.ucsb.edu
• Click on the NetExtender icon
• Follow the instructions for installation
  

If you have questions about the usage of the VPN server, please contact PCS at x8366 or email pcs@physics.ucsb.edu.