Information Technology Services University of Arkansas
Tech Articles

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

For secure access to the university network from off campus, UARK users can log into the Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN enables secure access to servers such as Cavern, Gizmo, and MyDocs. For instructions on how to map a drive or connect to a server, see the Mapping a Drive Tech Article.

Network Access

To access the university network securely from off campus:

  1. Log into vpn.uark.edu using your UARK username and password.

  2. You will be prompted to install a utility (Juniper Setup Client Installer). Depending on your system, you may be prompted to allow or run to continue. If prompted, click Always to execute the Network Connect software from vpn.uark.edu. 

To set options, right-click the VPN icon in the system tray or dock.

To end the VPN session, click Sign out at the top right corner of the web page, or right-click the VPN icon within the system tray or dock.

If you are experiencing problems connecting to VPN, ensure that your browser's pop-up blocker is set to allow vpn.uark.edu. For better compatibility, IT Services recommends that users connect to VPN using Internet Explorer for Windows or Safari for Mac OS X. 

Access Resources

To access university server resources from within the VPN interface:

  1. In the Search text box, enter the file share address, for example "\\mydocs.uark.edu\mydocs\username\Documents" where "username" is your UARK username.

  2. Click Browse.

Other common university address locations:

  • Cavern: \\cavern.uark.edu\username where "username" is your cavern account username

  • Gizmo: \\gizmo.uark.edu\volumename where "volumename" is your assigned volume

VPN Bookmarks

Bookmark all folders within a network file share:

  1. While viewing a share, click "Bookmark Current folder."

  2. Enter a name and description for the bookmark.

  3. Click Add Bookmark.

Bookmark one folder within a network file share:

  1. While viewing a share, check the box next to a folder and click the Bookmark Selected button.

  2. Enter a name and description for the bookmark.

  3. Click Add Bookmark.

Edit or Delete Bookmarks

Edit a bookmark:

  1. Click the UA image icon in the upper right corner to access your VPN home page.

  2. Under the Files heading on your home page, click the Item properties/edit icon to the left of the bookmark that you wish to edit.

  3. Make desired changes.

  4. Click Save Changes.

Delete a bookmark:

  1. Click the UA image icon in the upper right corner to access your VPN home page.

  2. Under Files on your VPN home page, click the Delete icon to the left of the bookmark. You will not be prompted to confirm the request.

Last Reviewed:

Comments

David Wimberly

10/28/2011
8:56 pm

What is needed to use the VPN from Ubuntu?

Sean Bruce

10/31/2011
10:19 am

JRE should be the only prerequisite. If you are having difficulty logging in, please open an Askit case and we will assist.

Arthur Morgan

11/17/2011
11:00 pm

I'm running Windows 7 (64-bit). When I go to vpn.uark.edu, I'm prompted to install the client. I do so and close that window. When I try to connect, the cycle starts again. I don't get anywhere and the Juniper client does not show when I go >start >all programs. What am I doing wrong? (Arthur Morgan)