Introduction

Arkansas Tech University supports the connection of a Virtual Private Network, or "VPN", on Microsoft Windows using the Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN client. A VPN allows a user at a remote location to securely connect to campus and access the same network resources and services they'd have access to normally while on campus. A VPN may also be used in circumstances where an on-campus user may need to be connected to a network with higher security. Reasons to connect to and use the VPN connectivity may include, but are

• Student access to RemoteApp or Computer Science resources
• Staff and faculty access to Remote Desktop connectivity to office computers

The GlobalProtect VPN client is freely available to faculty, staff, and students and can be obtained by following the instructions below.

If you have not yet installed the ATU GlobalProtect VPN client, please visit this article first: How do I install the ATU GlobalProtect VPN on Windows?

Connecting

Connecting to the ATU GlobalProtect VPN client is quick and easy.  To connect, please follow the following steps:

1. Open your System Tray and click on the GlobalProtect icon.  If it is not there, open the Start Menu and type "GlobalProtect" and choose it from the search results.
   
   
   
   Figure 1: The GlobalProtect icon in its "Disconnected" state.

    

2.  If this is not the first time you've connected with the ATU GlobalProtect client on this device, proceed to Step 3.  If it is, you'll need to configure the VPN portal address to "vpn.atu.edu" (see Figure 2) and then choose "Connect".
   
   
   
   Figure 2: Configuring the portal after installing the GlobalProtect Client.

    

3. You should now see the connection screen (see Figure 2). This screen displays the name of the wired or wireless network you're using, gives access to the settings menu (the menu button in the upper right-hand corner), and the Connect button.  Choose "Connect".
   
   
   Figure 3: The GlobalProtect connection screen.
   
   
4.  The next screen will ask for your username and password.  This will be the same username and password that you use to access your ATU email, OneTech, and other ATU services.  Once you enter your login credentials, choose "Sign-In".  You can also choose to cancel your connection by choosing the "Cancel" button.
   
   
   
   Figure 4: The login page.
   
   
5.  GlobalProtect will now attempt to form the VPN connection to the ATU network using the login credentials provided.
   
   
   Figure 5: In this image, GlobalProtect is creating the VPN connection.

    

6.  If the connection is successful, the client will update and indicate it is connected.  This screen will also provide the means to disconnect which will end the VPN session (this should be done when you no longer need remote access).
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Figure 6: The client now indicates the connection was successful the VPN tunnel is established.  Clicking "Disconnect" will end the session and disconnect the VPN.

    

7.  Once connected, the GlobalProtect icon in the System Tray will also update to indicate the connection status.
   
   
   Figure 7: The GlobalProtect icon indicating the VPN connection is established and active.

    

8.  Once finished with the remote session, please disconnect the VPN connection.

 Conclusion

 This concludes the tutorial on how to connect and use the GlobalProtect VPN client. If you have any questions regarding connections or use, please submit a ticket or contact the Campus Support Center at 479-964-0583.