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A guide to the Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Introduction

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is software that creates a secure connection between an individual device and the internet. In this guide we explain how a VPN works and why you may need to use one.

Who is this article for?

This article is helpful for all University of Warwick staff and students.

Need more help?

If you have followed these steps and you need further support, please contact us:

Visit IDG’s Service Portal

Phone +44 (0) 2476 573737 or ext. 73737 (internally)

The ServiceDesk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Last revised: 26/04/24

What is the VPN?

The VPN service at the University of Warwick is designed to provide users with a secure and easy way to access university network services and resources not normally available when working off-campus. It works by creating a private, encrypted route through which a user's device can connect to the internet whilst keeping their personal information, location, and other data private.

To use the VPN for the first time, you will need to request access completing this self-service form on our Service Portal.

You need the VPN when you:

  • are working remotely at home, or in an off-campus work location and need secure access to University of Warwick network services and resources.
  • want to access resources on the internet that are limited to academic institutions.

  • want to access files stored locally on your office computer or use an application which is only licensed to operate from your office computer via a remote desktop application.

  • are working from home (WFH) you should connect your managed device to the VPN regularly to get the best service – to receive regular software and security updates, to synchronise your offline files, applications, and any group policy updates. This will ensure your user experience is similar to working on campus. Offline files are from the last time the documents folder was synchronised with your central H: drive. From that point, they are cached locally, and any new documents or existing ones are only stored locally.

You do not need the VPN:

Availability

The Warwick campus VPN service:

  • Provides a secure method to connect to the University campus network regardless of where you are connecting from.
  • Works over a wireless or wired internet connection.

  • Is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during planned maintenance.

  • Enforces a maximum continuous connection of 12 hours.

  • Is not available from the Residential Network

Related articles

To request access to the VPN, please read this article: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/idg/about/infrastructure-operations/training/how-to-request-vpn-access/

For information on how to connect to the VPN, please read this article: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/idg/about/infrastructure-operations/training/connect-to-vpn/