Quick Links: | Requirements | What is VPN? | How do I get VPN? |
General Requirements:
- Hardware requirements - Windows & MacOS
- CPU: Intel/AMD 1.8GHz, 32-bit/64 bit processor
- System Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Disk Space: Install 25MB | Logging 50 MB | Total 75 MB
- Networking: 10/100/1000 Wired Ethernet, Wifi 3/4/5/6 (802.11 g/n/ac/ax) Wi-Fi. *802.11b is not supported on campus wireless.
- Operating System Requirements
- Windows 10 or 11
- MacOS 12 or later
- Android OS 12 or later
- iOS 13 or later
- Linux: Not all distributions are supported.
- Fully updated and patched operating system with auto updates enabled
- Software Recommendations
- Antivirus with real-time protection enabled and patching enabled.
GlobalProtect OnDemand VPN Information
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
The campus maintains a VPN server that allows devices with properly configured VPN client software to make a secure encrypted connection to the campus network. By opening a connection using a VPN client, a user's computer or device will be given a campus IP address and can access campus resources inside the campus border firewall that are not normally accessible to the outside world. A VPN connection can be made from a wired or wireless connection. Clients are available for Windows, Macintosh, iOS, Android, and Linux devices.
Why should you use a VPN?
Whether you are on or off campus, you can better protect yourself by using a VPN connection. This is done by launching the VPN software, logging in using your Chico State username and password, and then opening your web browser as normal. Simply installing the client does not make your connection secure. The VPN Client must be launched and logged into each time you want to make a secure VPN connection and you should also log out when you are finished. The VPN client may drop its connection if a device goes to sleep or is inactive for a long period. In this case, you may still be connected to the network, but you will no longer be secure. On most devices, there will be some sort of visual indication that you are connected using a VPN. You should monitor this indicator periodically to ensure that you are still communicating securely.
How do I get the VPN?
Personal Devices (OnDemand VPN)
- Current Faculty & Staff should meet the account requirements by default. They can select their device type at the top of this page and install the VPN.
- Volunteers and Consultants will need to have their department sponsor request access by completing the Volunteer, Guest, and Consultant Access form.
- Students can access the OnDemand VPN but are not automatically granted access.
- If you have a course that requires a VPN connection, you will be granted rights based on course enrollment, no additional steps are required.
- If you would like to opt in for access to the OnDemand VPN, please complete the Student Opt-In VPN access form.
University-Owned Devices (AlwaysOn VPN)
For university-owned devices, there is a separate VPN called the GlobalProtect AlwaysOn VPN that will be pre-installed on your device. To learn more about the AlwaysON VPN, please read our article on how to get started with GlobalProtect AlwaysOn VPN.
Additional Wireless Security Considerations
All wireless networks should be treated with extra caution as they are more vulnerable to attackers wishing to steal your information. We recommend that whether you are using campus wireless, using a public Wi-Fi spot at a local coffee shop, or using a hotel's Wi-Fi while traveling, you use your Chico State VPN connection to keep your information secure. Even if you are off-campus and are only connecting to non-campus web pages or resources, we strongly recommend connecting to your Chico State VPN as a way to secure and encrypt all of your data between your computer or device and the Wi-Fi hotspot. That way an attacker monitoring Wi-Fi in that area will be much less likely to be able to steal your data.
Still need help? Contact IT Support Services for further assistance.
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