FAQ about VPNs

• What is a VPN?
• What is a VPN client?
• When is VPN necessary?
• Do I need a VPN client?
• Where do I get a VPN client?
• Is there anything else I should install on my computer?
• VPN Troubleshooting

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be defined as a means of transferring information using secure methods over a public network. The data transfer is private, but the network is public thus making it "virtual private." For example, you could set up a VPN between your home computer and your Duke office computer with security and encryption technology while using the Internet as your network. The data transfer is private, but you don't own the Internet so it is a Virtual Private Network.

Duke's VPN creates a secure connection between your computer and Duke's VPN Concentrator. While the VPN is running, any network traffic from your computer is sent securely to the concentrator. The concentrator then passes the data along to the intended destination. This lets your home computer appear to the Duke network like it is at Duke rather than remotely connected.

What is a VPN client?

A VPN client handles the security and encryption portion of the VPN definition. It is a software application that you must install and start if you want to use it. You have to start it; it doesn't automatically start up or run in the background when you connect to the Internet.

When is VPN necessary?

Anytime confidential information is transported across a computer network it needs to be protected from public access. Institutions like Duke use several methods to secure confidential information, including firewalls, authentication, data encryption, etc. Unfortunately, some of these security technologies prevent authorized computer users from accessing the data they need if they are outside the Duke network (for example, at home or while travelling). A VPN helps solve remote access issues while keeping confidential data secure as it is transferred across a public network. In addition, a computer running the Duke VPN client appears to be connected locally to the Duke network.

Do I need a VPN client?

If you are only surfing the Web, you do not need to use a VPN client. In fact, a VPN client might make Internet access slower.

If you are accessing information which is restricted to the Duke network, you do need to use a VPN client. Information restricted to the Duke network includes the following:

• e-Reserves or other library databases
• departmental IP-restricted servers
• HR/payroll data
• protected health information

Where do I get a VPN client?

If you are affiliated with Duke University Health System, you can download a VPN client from the Duke Health Technology Solutions Intranet website http://dhts-ens.duhs.duke.edu. This website is only accessible from hosts with direct access to 152.16.x.x networks. If you do not have direct access to 152.16.x.x. networks, please contact your local DUHS desktop/computer support group. If you are a vendor or contractor, please contact your Duke University Health System business partner to aquire the VPN client software.

Duke University affiliates, click here. 

Fuqua School of Business affiliates, contact the Fuqua Technical Support Center at 660-7878.

Is there anything else I should install on my computer?

While the VPN client is the only program needed to access the Duke VPN, we recommend that everyone install anti-virus software on their computers. Duke has a site license for this software so it is available to all Duke affiliates, even on their personal computers. McAfee is available for Windows-based computers, while Virex is available for Macintosh.

VPN Troubleshooting

Having trouble with the VPN? Click here for helpful troubleshooting tips and information.