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  5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

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Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Important:

The use of all Information Technology (IT) facilities at the University of South Australia, including the UniSA wired and wireless networks, is subject to the University's Acceptable use of Information Technology (IT) facilities policy. 

Accessing the UniSA Network from Off-site (via VPN)

When away from the University staff can connect to the UniSA network as though they were using a computer on campus by setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN).  Common reasons to do this include:

  • accessing file located on a UniSA server (e.g Shared Drives such as Teams/Staff-*/Research etc)
    NOTE: This is the recommended file storage practice.
  • to remotely access files which are located on an office PC C: drive (e.g files that are directly saved on the individual PC on the Desktop/Documents etc)
    NOTE: This is not the recommended practice because these files are not being backed up and if the individual PC should die these files will be lost forever.
  • to remotely control a University desktop system which has specialised software installed and that you have permission to log into ('remote desktop').

The UniSA Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection when you are accessing the University network through your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or through the eduroam wireless network.  To use UniSA's VPN setup you must first configure a VPN connection on your computer.

To access the UniSA VPN you will need:

  • Connection to the internet
  • Valid and active UniSA staff network account (username and password)
  • VPN F5 Client software

Windows: Connecting to f5 BigIP Edge Client after installation

  1. Click up arrow, far right of Taskbar (near clock and calendar) to display more system tray items
  2. Right mouse click f5
  3. Click Connect
  4. On the page that appears, enter your UniSA Username and Password and click Sign In
  5. Click Send Code
  6. Enter the verification code that you received via SMS
    Note: if you do not receive the code, click on the Re-send code button
  7. Click the Verify button
  8. You will now be able to access your resources as if you were on a UniSA campus.

For step by step instructions (including screenshots) see the connecting to UniSA VPN page.

Windows: Disconnecting from f5 BigIP Edge Client

  1. Click up arrow, far right of Taskbar (near clock and calendar) to display more system tray items
  2. Right mouse click f5
  3. Click Disconnect

For step by step instructions (including screenshots) see the disconnecting from UniSA VPN page.

macOS: Connecting to f5 BigIP Edge Client after installation

  1. Find BIG-IP Edge Client
  2. Click Connect
  3. On the page that appears, enter your UniSA Username and Password and click Sign In
  4. Click Send Code
  5. Enter the verification code that you received via SMS
    Note: if you do not receive the code, click on the Re-send code button
  6. Click the Verify button
  7. You will now be able to access your resources as if you were on a UniSA campus.

Or for step by step instructions (including screenshots) see the connecting to UniSA VPN page.

macOS: Disconnecting from f5 BigIP Edge Client

  1. Open f5
  2. Click Disconnect
  3. f5 will indicate its Disconnected

For step by step instructions (including screenshots) see the disconnecting from UniSA VPN page.

Why do I need to use Remote Desktop?

Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) can be used by staff to access RDP-enabled UniSA owned (Blue Plated) computers on a UniSA Campus. Either from another room/building/campus away from the device or completely off campus.

To request access:

Send an email to the IT Help Desk containing:

  1. Office Location
  2. Campus
  3. Blue Plate Number
  4. Best contact number for you


Once access has been granted:

  1. Connect to UniSA VPN (if off campus)
  2. Enter 'Remote Desktop Connection' from the Start menu
  3. Open Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) app
    NOTE: Mac users can download this to access a Windows PC on Campus
  4. Enter computer's name <ORG2><Blue Plate Number>
    NOTE:     If this does not work, try:
    Full network name eg <ORG2><Blue Plate Number>.uninet.unisa.edu.au or
    Campus Domain (cw, ce, mg, ml, wh or mt) eg <ORG2><Blue Plate Number>.<campus abbreviation>.unisa.edu.au
  5. If on a personally owned device select to login using another account, where User name = uninet\<unisa username>
  6. Enter UniSA Password when RDC prompts
  7. Enter UniSA Password again to log into requested PC

Remote Desktop from a Mac to a PC

You have to have previously requested access:

Send an email to the IT Help Desk containing:

  1. Office Location
  2. Campus
  3. Blue Plate Number
  4. Best contact number for you

 

Once access has been granted:

  1. Download Microsoft Remote Desktop
  2. Click Open App Store if prompted
  3. Click Get
  4. Enter your Apple ID cridentials
    NOTE: These are different to your UniSA Cridentials. If you have forgotten these details you will need to click Forgot Apple ID or Password? for the UniSA IT Help Desk have no control or access to these accounts.
  5. Open Microsft Remote Desktop
  6. Click New
  7. Enter:
    • Connection name: UniSA
    • PC name: <3 letters><blue plate number>
    • User name: uninet\<unisa user name>
    • Password: <unisa password>
  8. Click Close
  9. Open Connection
  10. Click Continue for Verify Certificte
  11. Log into PC as normal - as if you were sitting in front of the PC on campus

For step by step instructions (including screenshots) see the connecting from a Mac to a PC page.