A. VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network, which is a method to create secured (encrypted) communications over a public network. In our case, we are setting up secured communications from your home PC to the University’s network via the Internet. This enables you to securely use your Cal Poly Pomona network resources that you access every day (file/printer sharing, email, etc.) from a location outside the University’s network.
Q. When I'm connected via VPN is everything encrypted?
A. In most cases, the answer is no. We use a technique known as split tunneling, in which only traffic destined to our internal network is encrypted. All other traffic (such as when you surf the web) is not encrypted.
Q. Does VPN offer virus protection?
A. No. VPN provides security by encrypting and decrypting data that passes through a VPN connection; it does not offer protection from viruses.
Q. What number do I dial into to get access to the VPN?
A. You don’t. There is no telephone number for the VPN gateway. Instead, you first establish a connection to the Internet in whatever way you normally would, then run the VPN client software.
Q. I have Outlook 2000 or XP. Can I get it to work with my VPN?
A. If you have a copy of the full version of Outlook 2000 or XP (not Outlook Express) at home, you would configure the software the same as you have at work. For details, see Outlook VPN Mail Setup. Note: you may have to put the name of your home domain in front of your user name. For example, if your home domain on campus is the WIN domain, you may have to set your Outlook Log-On screen user name to WIN\username.
Q. I am connected to the VPN but cannot access the Internet.
A. Ensure that "Use default gateway on remote network" in the TCP/IP settings is NOT checked. The following are detailed instructions on how to check for this setting:
Q. I’ve unchecked “Use default gateway on remote network” but still cannot connect to the Internet.
A. The Cal Poly VPN only allows you to connect to the university’s local network. Your Internet access is still being provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you are able to connect to the VPN but not the Internet, please contact your ISP for further assistance.
Q. I completed the instructions for setting up my VPN connection but am unable to get on the VPN.
You may need to disable any hardware or software firewall before connecting to the VPN. If you prefer to have your firewall running, please contact your firewall vendor on configuring for VPN connections.
Q. I’m running Windows 2000 and am getting disconnected when trying to log on to the VPN.
Ensure that you have 128-bit encryption level installed.
Q. Why do my VPN connections work from some locations and not others?
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) that you are using at the time of the connection may be blocking specific types of TCP/IP traffic that are preventing VPN connectivity. Contact your ISP for further assistance.
This page was last updated on January 24, 2008.
