A virtual private network, or VPN, provides a secure connection to a protected network from a remote location, including those located over long physical distances. For IPAC employees, this means they have the ability to access internal IPAC services from home or while traveling and works if they are in the office. A key VPN feature is its ability to connect you to both a private network, such as IPAC's internal services, as well as public networks, such as the Internet.

IPAC offers two ways to create a VPN connection:

• VPN Lite - This method does not require special software because it works through a Web browser. However, users do not have all the functionality and flexibility as IPSEC VPN.

• IPSEC VPN - This method requires the installation of a VPN client, certificate, and profile, but users are not limited to accessing applications within their Web browser.

If you need to access internal services but do not have an IPSEC VPN client installed, you can still connect to IPAC using VPN.

1. First, make sure you have the following:

• An IPAC-issued SecurID RSA fob (an an electronic keychain displaying a series of numbers that periodically refresh).
• A Web browser, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer, that supports SSL encryption.
• Java 1.4.2 installed on your computer

2. Next, connect to VPN Lite at the following page: https://ipac-vpn.ipac.caltech.edu

3. Go to the ISG Wiki and download the files needed to install the IPSEC VPN for your particular operating system and platform. http://isgwiki.ipac.caltech.edu/User_Guide/VPN/VPN:Setting_up_the_ipsec_vpn_client

4. Once you have the IPSEC VPN Client installed, remember to disconnect from the VPN Lite browser client by using the floating tools at the upper-right corner of the window.