Davidson's VPN (virtual private network) capability allows access to certain Davidson network resources while working off-campus. This article discusses how to connect to VPN on a computer by using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN application. You can also connect an iOS device to VPN.
Using the Cisco AnyConnect Application on Your Computer
1. Open the program entitled Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. On Mac, this program will be in your Applications folder. In Windows, look in Programs or All apps. If you don't see Cisco AnyConnect installed on your computer, follow the procedures outlined here.
Tip: On Mac, you can search for the app by clicking on the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass in the upper right corner) and typing cisco. Similarly, in Windows 10 you can click on the Start button in the lower right corner and type cisco.
2. Once the Cisco AnyConnect app is launched, you should see the VPN Ready to connect dialog box. Type in vpn.davidson.edu and click on the Connect button.
3. In the resulting dialog box, enter your Davidson username and password. In the "second password" field, enter the word "push" to receive a Duo push on your mobile device. Choose the appropriate Group for your needs*:
- 01-OffCampus(Tunnel) routes all your internet traffic through Davidson’s network. This improves privacy and security, but commercial Internet sites may load more slowly. Use this as a default, but especially when traveling, or in public or untrusted locations like coffee shops, airports, and hotels.
- 02-OffCampus(Regular) routes only traffic headed to Davidson on-campus systems through the Davidson network. This improves your internet speed but is less secure, so use this option only on a trusted network like your home network.
Additional options listed in the Group dropdown are used only for specific processes at Davidson. If you have not been instructed to use one of these additional groups, choose 01 or 02.
*Note: Occasionally, a resource may only be available over 01-OffCampus(Tunnel). If you still cannot connect using 02-OffCampus(Regular), try disconnecting from VPN, then reconnecting under 01-OffCampus(Tunnel).
4. Once VPN is successfully connected, you should see a tiny circular icon with a lock. On the Mac, this icon will appear in the Menu Bar in the upper right corner. On Windows, the icon will appear in the System Tray in the lower right corner. In either case, you can click on this icon to either disconnect or connect to VPN from this point forward.
How to Download and Install the Cisco AnyConnect Application
1. Open an internet browse to https://vpn.davidson.edu
2. Choose the appropriate Group for your needs* as is outlined below. Enter your Davidson username (email without @davidson.edu) and password. In the second password field, enter the word push to receive a Duo push on your mobile device. :
- 01-OffCampus(Tunnel) routes all your internet traffic through Davidson’s network. This improves privacy and security, but commercial Internet sites may load more slowly. Use this as a default, but especially when traveling, or in public or untrusted locations like coffee shops, airports, and hotels.
- 02-OffCampus(Regular) routes only traffic headed to Davidson on-campus systems through the Davidson network. This improves your internet speed but is less secure, so use this option only on a trusted network like your home network.
*Note: Occasionally, a resource may only be available over 01-OffCampus(Tunnel). If you still cannot connect using 02-OffCampus(Regular), try disconnecting from VPN, then reconnecting under 01-OffCampus(Tunnel).
3. A new browser window will open up, with a link to download Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Click the link to download the application, and install it by locating the downloaded file on your computer (likely in your Downloads folder), and following the installation prompts.
Alternatively, your computer may automatically install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
7. Once the Cisco AnyConnect VPN application is downloaded, follow the steps above to connect to the application.
Notes for Linux Users
If you use Linux, the installer will come in the form of a shell script. Run this script as root or an elevated user.
In most Linux window managers, the app will be searchable. The installer will also give directions on how to launch the app in the command line. Linux users can also use OpenConnect on our VPN, but we recommend trying the Cisco app first.