Remote Access VPN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?


Introduction

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides secure remote access from a device to restricted/private resources across a public network. Virginia Tech's SSL VPN service referred to as Remote Access VPN is a service that allows a user to access Virginia Tech resources remotely across the globe. This service does not provide any end-to-end encryption, but does encrypt the traffic between your device and the VPN device.

 

Contents

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Connection

How Can I Manually Add Connections in the Cisco Secure AnyConnect Client?

The Virginia Tech connection profiles you have access to should have been automatically added to the Cisco Secure client after your initial connection.  In the case that you have to manually add a connection:

    1. Open the Cisco Secure AnyConnect client.
    2. Enter the server address in the drop-down text box.
      • For the VT vpn service those would be:
        • https://vpn.vt.edu/VT-Traffic or
        • https://vpn.vt.edu/All-Traffic
    3. Click Connect.

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Why Does My Connection Time Out after a Few Hours?

Your VPN connection is set to be timed out every 1440 minutes (24 hours). You will be prompted for session extension 30 minutes before your current session expires. If you miss the extension prompt, you can manually extend your session any time from the session options on the client (You have to authenticate again). Your session will also be terminated if there is no activity over VPN for more than 60 minutes.

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2-Factor Authentication

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Connection Options

Which Connection Profile Do I Use?

Virginia Tech offers two connections profiles:

For most people, VT-Traffic is the recommended connection profile, since it provides access to all Virginia Tech resources and avoids latency for regular internet traffic.

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Requirements

Who Is Eligible for VPN Service?

All current Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students are eligible to access Cisco Secure AnyConnect VPN.

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What Are the Supported Platforms or System Requirements?

Please refer to the links below to check if your operating system (OS) is currently supported:

For security reasons, we ask you to upgrade your device to the latest version to receive any patches for vulnerabilities. Network Infrastructure & Services (NI&S) is unable to support OS’s that are no longer supported by the OS manufacturer.

If you are using a Virginia Tech owned device, you must have an administrator account to install these packages. If you don't have an administrator account, contact your Network Liaison or contact 4Help by clicking Get Help on the 4Help Portal.

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Installation

Where Can I Find the Packages and Instructions for VPN?

A link to the installer file or application can be found within the following knowledgebase articles that contains instructions for your operating system or device:

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How Do I Remove the Ivanti VPN before installing the Cisco Secure AnyConnect VPN client?

Please see the following Ivanti help articles for uninstallation instructions:

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Which version of Windows do I have?

To find out if you are using Windows x64 or Windows Arm64 following the below directions:

  1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on System in the left-hand menu.
  3. Scroll down and click on About.
  4. Under the "Device specifications" section, find "System type".
  5. It will say either "x64-based processor" for a 64-bit system or "ARM-based processor" for an ARM processor.

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Error Messages

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Resources

What IP Networks Are Routed Over VPN When I Connect to VT Traffic Over SSL VPN?

We currently route the following subnets over VPN when you connect to a) - VT Traffic over SSL VPN:

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How Do I Find My Network Liaison?

You can search for your department's liaison on the following web page: Network Liaisons.

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Why Am I Unable to Access the Library Resources I Need When I Connect to VT-Traffic VPN?

When using VT-Traffic VPN, if the library resource you need isn’t routed over the VPN, it can looks like the traffic is coming from outside the Virginia Tech network (your ISP). Library Resources are restricted to being accessed from Virginia Tech IP addresses. If you have this issue, please use the All-Traffic connection. 

If you are still unable to access Library Resources after switching to All-Traffic please report this to 4Help by clicking Get Help on the 4Help Portal so we can make changes.

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Upgrades

Why are we switching from Ivanti Secure Access VPN to the Cisco Secure AnyConnect VPN client?

...

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How long will the Ivanti VPN service remain available?

Until December 31, 2025

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Does the Cisco Secure AnyConnect VPN installation Require Administrator Privileges on the Device?

Testing in Windows reveals that the Cisco VPN installation does require administrator rights. Mac OS computers may experience different results depending on how permissions on their computers are set up. Your departmental IT support should be able to assist in determining whether you have the permissions required. If you require further assistance, please contact 4Help.

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