VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Overview
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a remote access technology that allows you to securely access and connect to systems and services on the Brandeis network when you are off campus. It enables you to connect to resources as if you were on campus, making access to restricted services possible. With VPN, you can connect to a department network drive, file shares (files.brandeis.edu), UNet filespace, browse websites that are restricted to campus, or connect to your office computer from home (i.e., remote desktop connection). All communication using VPN is securely encrypted between your computer off campus and the VPN gateway at Brandeis.
Getting Started
Pulse Secure is the software that Brandeis uses for the virtual private network (VPN). VPN at Brandeis was formerly known as 'wormhole'. Select your operating system to view how-to instructions for your computer including installation, configuration and connecting to the VPN service.
Windows Mac
When to use VPN
VPN is required to access the following technology resources:
- Departmental file shares
- Network drive, File share access
- UNet file space
- Remote Desktop
- Softphone
- Active Directory Services
- Windows updates (Brandeis provided)
You do not need to use VPN (Pulse Secure) to access web-based Brandeis resources and services such as GSuite (
Mail,
Calendar,
Drive), Slack, Zoom,
Box,
Workday or brandeis.edu web pages.
Support
If you have any questions or issues installing or using VPN (Pulse Secure), please contact the Technology Help Desk at help@brandeis.edu or 781-736-HELP.
Pulse Secure is supported on Windows and Mac operating systems.
Hard and soft bandwidth limits are in place, excessive use of bandwidth can have a detrimental effect on the performance of the system and ITS reserves the right to terminate connections if deemed necessary.
FAQs
Expand All
Brandeis provides the Pulse SecureVPN service to the community. Faculty, staff and students can connect to the Brandeis VPN service with their Brandeis username and password. Please refer to instructions to download, install and connect to the VPN service. Windows | Mac
If you access secure resources on the Brandeis network such as departmental file shares or a network drive, you will need to use a virtual private network (VPN) connection. Pulse Secure is the Brandeis-approved VPN application to establish a secure connection to the Brandeis network. Learn more about installing, configuring or using Pulse Secure: Windows | Mac
You do not need to use VPN (Pulse Secure) to access web-based Brandeis resources and services such as GSuite (Mail, Calendar, Drive), Box, Workday or brandeis.edu web pages. To learn more about systems and services available from off campus, see Technology Resources.
Brandeis provides VPN service (Pulse Secure) to all members of the community regardless of location (domestic or international).
In some countries, including China, governments have put restrictions on websites people can access; a commonly blocked website is Google (Gmail). To attempt to circumvent these restrictions, ITS can enable VPN service with full-tunnel mode for those users experiencing issues with their provider or governmental restrictions. Full-tunnel is enabled by the Technology Help Desk by request. By using full-tunnel mode, all internet communications are encrypted between the user's computer and Brandeis.
If you're traveling abroad or for students living in a country with government restrictions, please contact the Technology Help Desk (help@brandeis.edu) to request access to full-tunnel mode.