VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN)


A virtual private network, or VPN, is software that runs on your computer that encrypts the network traffic between your device and the campus network. 

Some university resources are only available to users that are either on campus or connected to the VPN.  If you have problems accessing a particular resource or service, try connecting to the VPN to see if that resolves the issue.


Get a VPN

Download and install the VPN software from the WebStore.

Read self-help guide

Read this Answers KnowledgeBase article to learn how to setup and use this service.

Service information

Details about Remote Network Access is in the Enterprise IT Service Catalog.


After you’ve downloaded and installed the VPN software, select a profile from the drop-down list.  For most purposes, the default Split Tunnel profile is the optimal choice, but some resources my require the Tunnel All profile.

If you do not see a list of pre-populated profiles in the drop-down list, simply type vpn.illinois.edu into the text box and click Connect.


Teaching and learning

  • Canvas @ Illinois
  • Moodle
  • Media Space

Voice and video

  • Microsoft Teams
  • Zoom

Email and cloud storage

  • Outlook online
  • University Gmail
  • ListServ Manager (lists.illinois.edu)
  • U of I Box
  • Google Drive/Google Apps @ Illinois
  • OneDrive
  • SharePoint Online
  • Office 365

Remotely connecting to control campus computer and services

Remotely connecting to private campus resources

  • SSH
  • Connect to host name ending in ad.uillinois.edu
  • Connect to private IT space 
  • Access websites or servers designed to be accessed from the campus network only
  • Map remote drives

Remotely connecting to resources with special security requirements

  • Access campus resource requiring NIST-compliance (use “Tunnel All” for this)

System administration resources

Restricted services

  • Access Library Materials that don’t require login (use “Tunnel All” for this.)
  • Activate or Reactivate a Windows License (use “Tunnel All” for this)
Technology Services
1211 Digital Computer Lab
1304 W. Springfield Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Email: consult@illinois.edu
Office of the Chief Information Officer