Before You BeginYou must have the Cisco VPN Client installed. Students, faculty, staff, and retirees may download the Cisco VPN Client for Windows at no cost.

Unlimited Timout

The VPN server will never disconnect you due to being idle (i.e. it has an unlimited timeout). If you are no longer using your VPN connection, you should disconnect. Reconnect when you need to access restricted resources from off campus again.

When to Use VPN

When you are off campus, connect with the Cisco VPN Client when you need access to restricted electronic services.

• Shared Folders - VPN is required to map network drives to Datastore01 or any other campus server when you are off campus.
  
• Send Email with Outlook, etc. - To send ilstu.edu email using a client like Outlook or Thunderbird when you're off campus, you must first connect with VPN.
• Other - You may have access to a service or resource provided by your class or department that requires a VPN connection from off campus.

Connecting with Cisco VPN Client

To access restricted electronic services when you are off campus, you must establish a VPN connection. Follow these instructions to connect using the Cisco VPN Client for Windows.

1. Open the Cisco VPN Client.
   Click Start > All Programs > VPN Client > VPN Client
2. Click the Connect button.
3. Enter your ULID and password when prompted to do so.
4. After a moment, a window will appear that says "Welcome to Illinois State University".
5. Click Continue.

You are now connected with the Cisco VPN Client. A yellow, locked padlock icon is now in your system tray (in the lower-right corner of your desktop, next to the clock). This indicates that you are connected. An unlocked padlock icon indicates you are no longer connected through VPN.