Office of Information Services
SOM Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a
VPN?
A. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a way to create a "virtual"
tunnel that will securely connect a computer/laptop that is not physically
connected to the SOM network (as in plugged into a wall jack or connected
wirelessly).
Q. Why do I need to use VPN
software?
A. File and database servers on the SOM network sit behind a firewall. In order
to reach those files or databases when not connected to the SOM network by a
wire or wireless connection, you need to establish a VPN connection.
Q. How do I get VPN
software?
A. VPN software is free and available by contacting the SOM help desk at either
help@som.umaryland.edu or 6-3998 to
arrange for pick up of software.
Q. I'm not an
employee of the SOM but I need to access a SOM application or file server, can
I still get the VPN software?
A. If you have an affiliated relationship with the SOM, you can receive the VPN
software. Contact the department administrator or grant administrator of the
department of your affiliation. He or she will need to sponsor your request by
filling out the new account
request form and submitting it to the SOM Help Desk. A photo copy of your
driver's license must be included with the request. The network account created
for VPN access for an affiliate is renewable on an annual basis.
Q. I want to read and
write files to a server or my computer on the SOM domain. How can I do that
with the VPN?
A. To access files on a server, you first need permission to access that folder
on the desired server. To access files on your office/lab computer, you must
give yourself permission to the folder(s) containing those files. Once
permissions are correctly set, map a drive on the remote computer to the
desired folder. Contact the server administrator or the SOM Help Desk for
help.
Q. I want to run an
application that’s located on my office/lab computer. Can I do that with just
the VPN?
A. No. You also need remote control software to run applications remotely on
your office/lab computer. Some products and services that allow you to do that
are Microsoft Remote Desktop (PC or MAC) or PCAnywhere. Contact the SOM Help
Desk for more information.
Q. I tried to install
the VPN client software from the CD but there was an error.
A. Note the error message and call the SOM Help Desk (6-3998).
Q. I
installed the VPN software apparently successfully. Now what do I
do?
A. Connect to Internet through an ISP the way you normally do. Double-click on
the VPN icon to start the VPN client and log into the SOM domain.
Q. I can’t log on.
What’s wrong?
A. First, make sure you can browse the Internet from the remote computer. You
should be able to reach the School of Medicine website
(http://medschool.umaryland.edu). If you can reach SOM’s website but still
can’t login, call the SOM Help Desk for assistance.
Q. The instructions say to enter
my SOM credentials as the VPN logon ID and password. I never log on to the SOM
network. What do I use?
A. If you don’t have a SOM account, we can create a VPN account for you.
Contact the SOM Help Desk to obtain your VPN logon ID and password.
Q. After logging on,
there’s nothing different on my computer screen. How can I reach the files on
my office/lab computer?
A. When you shared a directory on your office/lab PC, you can map a drive to it
on a remote computer. If you need to run an application on your office/lab PC,
you need to run remote control software (e.g., Terminal Services, PCAnywhere,
Timbuktu, etc.) to use it.
Q. What if
I need to access several different networks securely?
A. The Cisco VPN client can provide access to different domains and networks.
Contact your local Help Desk for help in adding and configuring such access.
VPN clients from different vendors often interfere with each other. We do not
recommend installing the Cisco VPN client if other VPN software is present on
your computer.
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