Office of Information Technology | Cisco AnyConnect VPN

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Fairbanks area:

tel: 907-450-8300
fax: 907-450-8312

Outside Fairbanks:
1-800-478-8226

Email: helpdesk@alaska.edu

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Cisco AnyConnect VPN

Category: Internet - Wireless & Network Connectivity

Beginning June 28th, OIT will be transitioning to a new VPN service called Cisco AnyConnect. This new software takes advantage of the latest technology, making installation much quicker while providing more access options than ever before. On July 27th, Cisco AnyConnect will become the official OIT-provided VPN service, and the old Cisco VPN service will be discontinued.

What does this transition mean? This means that you will be able to use the old Cisco VPN service during the one month transition period. This allows you to have time to explore the new service, and learn how it functions. Installing the new software will not uninstall the older version.

Why the switch? Cisco AnyConnect brings many new features requested by our customers. The main feature is the new login. Cisco AnyConnect uses your UA username and password for VPN, no longer requiring the specialized “@ua” usernames.

Overview

This service provides secure, remote, connectivity to campus resources from non-University of Alaska locations. VPNs send data over the public Internet through secure "tunnels." This refers to a network in which some of the parts are connected using the public Internet, but the data sent across the Internet is encrypted, so the entire network is virtually private. An example might be a company network with offices in different cities. Using the Internet, the offices merge their networks into one network. The data is encrypted to ensure that only the offices in question can see the data on the Internet link.

Service Users

UAF and SW faculty and staff.

Requirements

Access to this service requires an internet connection, properly configured client software, and a current account. Software is available via automatic installation for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X (10.5 or later). Additionally, Linux software is available for manual installation via .sh package for RHEL and Debian-based distributions. iOS applications for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch are available through the iOS App Store.

Support for other mobile platforms is not available at this time.

Rates

VPN Connection Services are available at no cost to end users.

Get Started

To begin using the service on a computer, visit the appropriate link from the list below:

When prompted, enter your UA Username and Password. Once logged in, the service will automatically detect the operating system and version your computer is running, and the program will begin installation immediately. Once completed, you will be notified that your computer is connected.

If you need further assistance, please visit our configuration page for further instructions.

Support for mobile devices is also available. Visit the Cisco AnyConnect Mobile configuration page for instructions.

Availability

Service is available 24 hours per day. Exceptions include: scheduled maintenance and unplanned outages.

Getting Help

Customers request general assistance and report problems with this service through the OIT Support Center.