Help Desk
VPN Policies and Procedures
Introduction
The purpose of this page is to define the policies and procedures for the use of TTUHSC VPN services.
Definitions
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) - is one or more encrypted connections over a shared public network, typically over the Internet, which simulates the behavior of direct, local connections.
- Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) - is a communication protocol that enables a user to utilize a dial-up connection (commonly a modem using standard telephone lines) to connect to the Internet.
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) - is a method for home users and small businesses to have high-speed access to the Internet over standard telephone lines. Because of the technology used, a DSL customer must be within a certain distance from the phone company's CO (Central Office) for DSL to be available.
- Cable (also referred to as cable modem) - is a type of Internet connection provided by the local cable company, used to transfer data at high speeds when compared to a dial-up modem.
Account Administration
VPN accounts are available at no cost for current faculty, staff, and students of TTUHSC. VPN accounts can be requested at http://www.ttuhsc.edu/it/helpdesk/. The VPN account request will be sent via email to IT Help Desk personnel, and an email response will be returned with account information and setup instructions within 1 business day.
When a VPN account holder (employee or student) leaves TTUHSC, the account will be disabled as soon as Information Technology is notified of the termination date. VPN accounts will be set to automatically expire 12 months from the date the account is created or renewed. At least one week before an account expires, an email will be sent to the account holder reminding him/her to renew the account. The renewal request can be filled out from /it/helpdesk/.
Client Connection Setup
TTUHSC Information Technology will provide support for the following platforms:
- Windows 98
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP (home or professional)
VPN services from dial-up (PPP) and broadband (DSL, cable) connections outside the TTUHSC network are supported, provided that VPN services are in compliance with the Internet Service Provider's policies. Information regarding setup and troubleshooting of the TTUHSC VPN service is provided at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/it/helpdesk/vpn/.
Client Restrictions
All users with a VPN account must install anti-virus software on each computer from which the VPN server is accessed. This anti-virus software must be updated regularly with new anti-virus signatures. TTUHSC provides free McAfee Virus Scan licenses for home use by faculty, staff, and students. This software can be downloaded at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/it/security/mcafee/.
Users connecting to the VPN server using a broadband provider or other non-TTUHSC high-speed connection are strongly encouraged to install a software or hardware firewall. TTUHSC IT security personnel (its@ttuhsc.edu) can provide information as needed on solutions that have been certified as compatible with TTUHSC network security policy.
While a computer is connected to the VPN server, it is logically connected to both the internal TTUHSC network and the Internet. For security reasons, each VPN user should disconnect from the VPN server when access to the TTUHSC network is no longer required. To facilitate this process, VPN connections with 30 minutes of inactivity will be automatically disconnected, and the maximum duration of any VPN connection is 4 hours.