How to connect to the VPN

Remotely connect your device to the University network

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.

Windows

Installation

University devices

Cisco Secure Client may already be installed on devices provided by your college or department

 
  1. Download the Cisco Secure Client installer
  2. Run the installer and complete the installation

Connect to the VPN

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client application
  2. Type vpn.ox.ac.uk, then select Connect
  3. When prompted by your web browser, provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password

Disconnect from the VPN

  1. Select the VPN icon in the system tray
  2. Select Disconnect
macOS

Installation

Orchard devices

For Managed Mac (Orchard) devices, please refer to the service's own installation instructions

 
  1. Download the Cisco Secure Client installer
  2. Run the installer and complete the installation

Connect to the VPN

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client application
  2. Type vpn.ox.ac.uk, then select Connect
  3. When prompted by your web browser, provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password

Disconnect from the VPN

  1. Select the VPN icon in the system tray
  2. Select Disconnect
iOS

Installation

  1. Download Cisco Secure Client from your device’s app store
  2. Open the AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client application
  3. Select Connections > Add VPN Connection... > Server Address
  4. Type vpn.ox.ac.uk, then select Save

Connect to the VPN

  1. Open the AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client application
  2. Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle
  3. Provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password

Disconnect from the VPN

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)
  2. Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle so it shows as disconnected
Android

Installation

  1. Download Cisco Secure Client from your device’s app store
  2. Open the AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client application
  3. Select Connections > Add New VPN Connection > Server Address
  4. Type vpn.ox.ac.uk, then select Done

Connect to the VPN

  1. Open the AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client application
  2. Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle
  3. Provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password

Disconnect from the VPN

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)
  2. Select the AnyConnect VPN toggle so it shows as disconnected
Linux

Installation

  1. Download Cisco Secure Client. Supported distributions are shown in its release notes
  2. 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)
  3. In a terminal window, navigate to the newly created directory beginning anyconnect, then to its VPN subdirectory
  4. Start the installation by typing sudo ./vpn_install.sh

Connect to the VPN

  1. 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)

  2. Provide vpn.ox.ac.uk, then Connect
  3. Provide your SSO (single sign-on) username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and SSO password

Disconnect from the VPN

  1. Select the VPN icon in the system tray
  2. Select Disconnect

You may not be able to use the University VPN service if:

  •     Your University card has expired
  •     Your SSO details are incorrect
  •     You use a different VPN application
  •     Your VPN application is not up-to-date
  •     Your internet service provider restricts VPN use

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