How to connect to the VPN
Remotely connect your device to the University network
VPN login changes
From 14 May 2024, your SSO (single sign-on) login details will be requested through your default web browser when connecting to the VPN. If you have recently logged into another SSO protected service in your browser, the login step may be skipped.
Warning: Your internet traffic will go through University servers
Your internet traffic will route through University servers when connected to the VPN, so you are bound by our IT Rules and Regulations.
The VPN (virtual private network) service allows devices to remotely connect to the University network, required by some web pages and online resources.
The service is available to University members with an active University card.
University devices
Cisco Secure Client may already be installed on devices provided by your college or department
- Download the appropriate Cisco Secure Client for Windows from our software downloads page
- Run the installer and complete the installation
- Open the Cisco Secure Client application
- Type vpn.ox.ac.uk into the dropdown box
- Select Connect
- When prompted by your web browser, provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Open the Cisco Secure Client application
- Type vpn.ox.ac.uk into the dropdown box
- Select Connect
- When prompted by your web browser, provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Select the VPN icon in the system tray
- Select Disconnect
Orchard devices
For Managed Mac (Orchard) devices, please refer to the service's own installation instructions
- Download Cisco Secure Client for macOS from our software downloads page
- Run the installer and complete the installation
- Open the Cisco Secure Client application
- Enter vpn.ox.ac.uk into the dropdown box
- Select Connect
- When prompted by your web browser, provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Open the Cisco Secure Client application
- Type vpn.ox.ac.uk into the dropdown box
- Select Connect
- When prompted by your web browser, provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Select the VPN icon in the system tray
- Select Disconnect
- Download Cisco Secure Client from your device’s app store
- Open the AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client application
- Select Connections > Add VPN Connection...
- Select Server Address then provide vpn.ox.ac.uk
- Select Save
- Open the AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client application
- Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle
- Provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Open Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)
- Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle so it shows as disconnected
- Download Cisco Secure Client from your device’s app store
- Open Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)
- Select Connections > Add New VPN Connection
- Select Server Address then provide vpn.ox.ac.uk
- Select Done
- Open Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)
- Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle
- Provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Open Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)
- Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle so it shows as disconnected
- Our software downloads page provides Cisco Secure Client for Linux, for:
• Linux Red Hat 8 and 9
• Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04
The requirements for Linux distributions are detailed in the Cisco Secure Client release notes. - If not extracted automatically, unpack the downloaded file using an archive manager or type tar -xzvf filename from a terminal window (replacing filename with the file's name)
- In a terminal window, navigate to the newly created directory beginning anyconnect, then to its VPN subdirectory
- Start the installation by typing sudo ./vpn_install.sh
- To start the client either:
• Select Cisco Secure Client from the Applications menu
• Type vpnui at the command line in the installation directory (/opt/cisco/secureclient/bin) - Provide vpn.ox.ac.uk then Connect
- Provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password
- Select the VPN icon in the system tray
- Select Disconnect
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