UNSW@ADFA Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service
Who can use the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service?
When should the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service be used?
How should the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service be used?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About the Service
The UNSW@ADFA VPN Service establishes a secure network connection between an off campus computer and UNSW@ADFA networked resources such as computers and file servers, over the Internet. The UNSW@ADFA VPN service allows users to connect via a home broadband service or via external wireless hotspots in cafes, hotels and airports.
The VPN service is not required to access UNSW@ADFA network resources that are generally available in public, such as UNSW@ADFA’s web sites, or when a user is physically on campus.
Who can use the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service?
The VPN service is currently available to all UNSW@ADFA staff and students.
When should the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service be used?
A user may need to access UNSW@ADFA networked resources while off campus whilst working from home, visiting another campus or on sabbatical, depending on network policies. A user may also be in a café or airport lounge that has internet facilities.
In these environments it may not be possible to access or even locate certain UNSW@ADFA networked resources such as a work computer or a department’s file server. This is because the resources are being accessed from a non-UNSW@ADFA network. For security reasons many networked resources can only be accessed from inside UNSW@ADFA, via the UNSW@ADFA campus–wide network.
The VPN service creates a trusted connection to the UNSW@ADFA network using secure encryption technology. It does this over whatever network connection is in use at the time, such as commercial broadband or wireless. Once this trusted connection is established, it is possible to locate and connect to computers and file servers as usual.
How should the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service be used?
The following three items are prerequisites to enable the VPN service:
1. Configuration of a machine
The procedure to prepare a machine is outlined in the VPN installation instructions below.
2. A valid ADFAPass Account Username and Password
Enter an existing UNSW@ADFA ADFAPass staff or student ID username and password.
3. The VPN Client for Mac or Linux computers
The VPN client is a small software application that connects a computer to the UNSW@ADFA VPN Service. The VPN Client creates the secure encrypted connection to the UNSW@ADFA network. Download the client software below.
Download the VPN installation instructions
- Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer 7
- Windows XP SP2 using Firefox
- Windows Vista and Internet Explorer 7
- Macintosh OS X
- Retrieval of email via the Microsoft Outlook 2003 Client
- Accessing Network Drives and Printers in Microsoft Windows XP
Download the VPN client
NOTE: the maximum time-out (without activity) period is eight (8) hours.
UNSW@ADFA VPN Support
Problems installing or using the VPN client
Due to the variation in personal home computers the only assistance the ICTS Service Desk can provide to troubleshoot installation problems is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below.
Contact details for problems connecting to the local file server or other faculty networked service:
School/Centre/Student |
Support contact details |
Academy Library |
Academy Library Service Desk – 02 6268 8439 |
Admin |
ICTS Service Desk - helpdesk@adfa.edu.au/ 02 6268 8140 |
ACME |
ACME Information Support Group - acmeit@adfa.edu.au/ 02 6268 8777 |
SBUS |
ICTS Service Desk - helpdesk@adfa.edu.au/ 02 6268 8140 |
HASS |
ICTS Service Desk - helpdesk@adfa.edu.au/ 02 6268 8140 |
ITEE |
ITEE Service Desk – 02 6268 8054 |
PEMS |
PEMS Service Desk – 02 6268 6058 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Due to the variable nature of user computer equipment and ISP setup, ICTS cannot guarantee that the UNSW@ADFA VPN service works for all clients.
Some common problems experienced with possible resolution:
Able to connect to the UNSW@ADFA VPN but keep being disconnected
Email the following information to the ICTS Service Desk at helpdesk@adfa.edu.au for log investigation and response within 48 hours:
| Subject header: | VPN Disconnection |
| Details: | Dates and times of the disconnection |
| Staff/Student Number |
Note: ‘Remote’ disconnections due to ISP service interruption or user equipment failure cannot be investigated.
Problems using Firefox 3
Firefox 3 has compatibility issues with the UNSW@ADFA VPN. Please avoid using this browser for VPN connectivity.