6.4   TCC's VPN (Virtual Private Networking)

We've installed a VPN server (vpn.nmt.edu) to permit TCC users to:

1. connect to services as though they were on-campus (there by permitting them to use resources restricted to 129.138.0.0 addresses),
2. use the wired laptop connections in Speare 14,

Note that the TCC "test net" and our connections in Speare 14 are the only connections allowed to the VPN server from on campus. That is to say, VPN can not be used from on-campus unless you're on the TCC "test net" or in Speare 14. (On campus users already have a Tech IP, so letting them use the VPN would just waste our resources -- which makes me wonder why Speare 14 is an exception!)

To use this service you must have a valid TCC username and password.

For information on configuring Linux (Fedora), MS Windows (2000, or XP), and Macintosh OSs (Jaguar, Panther, Tiger) for use with our VPN setup see the TCC Help System link on VPN.

  Possible Problems and Their Resolution

After a review of VPN tickets Bryan Dean found that if there are problems using TCC's VPN the following should be checked.

1. Some anti-virus applications can interfere with VPN. Norton is one example. Some Versions of Norton can't be turned off though and must be uninstalled to properly use VPN. If Norton services can actually turn off, or if the program can be completely closed, then VPN should be good to go. If neither can be done then Norton anti-virus will need to be uninstalled.
2. If local firewall rules (those on the user's machine) aren't correct this may also cause a problem. The user's firewall manual should be consulted for how to check for and correct this type of problem.
3. The VPN server may not be sending out DNS info. To counter this be sure your machine knows about the following two DNS addresses. You can check this by starting your VPN connection, then:
   • click on "Properties"
   • click on "Networking"
   • select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and click on Properties
   • select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and put in:
     • Preferred DNS server: 129.138.250.10
     • Alternate DNS server: 129.138.4.63
   • click OK
   • click OK
4. Note that Basic Alumni accounts are not allowed to connect to the VPN. The solution would be to go with a "paid" (as opposed to "free") Alumni account. Jan would need to be contacted about that (best done by phone: 505 / 835 - 5735).