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A virtual private network (VPN) is a secured network that uses a publicly accessible infrastructure. You can establish a VPN account that will allow you to securely connect to the UA Wireless Network on campus. Additionally, a VPN account will allow the user to connect securely to the Internet via the University of Alabama’s network from anywhere in the world.

I. Creating a VPN Account

A valid Bama email account is required to access the VPN. Instructions for registering your account for VPN access and for creating your VPN connection can be found at the HelpDesk.

II. Connecting to the UA VPN

Connecting to the UA VPN is very easy once you have registered your account and created the VPN connection. In fact, this step should have been completed at the end of the steps for creating a VPN connection, but it will need to be repeated each time you log on to the UA VPN, so it is included here also. If you created an icon for the UA VPN on your desktop when you created your VPN account, then double-click the icon.

Otherwise, select Start, Connect To, (possibly Show all connections), then double-click the UA VPN icon.

Log on with your Bama email account user name and password.

You may use your UA VPN connection to connect securely to your office computer from any on-campus wireless access point, provided your office computer is running Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 and your other computer is running Windows XP Home or Professional and has wireless capabilities.

III. More Information

• How to Create a VPN Account
• Off-Campus Remote Access (Windows Remote Desktop)