Please contact CMS for questions about VPN.
VPN – Virtual Private Network – is a way to enhance security by establishing a protected network connection when using public networks. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and make it difficult for an intruder to “steal” your information. In many cases, VPN use is REQUIRED to access certain resources when outside the Engineering network.
VPN Solutions at Engineering
Currently, the college supports two solutions for VPN:
- The PREFERRED solution is known as the "FSU-Engineering VPN" or "New VPN" and is an FSU-ITS services that has been specifically configured to support Engineering users. This solution provides solid performance and high reliability.
- The alternate solution is known as the "Engineering VPN" or "Old VPN" and should be used ONLY by those Engineering students who do not have access to the FSU-Engineering VPN. or other Engineering users with access requirements that cannot be met by the FSU-Engineering VPN (a VERY rare situation). This is a low-volume, low-performance system.
FSU-Engineering VPN
The first time you wish to use the FSU Engineering VPN, you may need to download and install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Once the client is installed on your computer, you will not need to install it again. NOTE: You may install this client on your personally-owned computer, as the university provides license for such use.
To install the AnyConnect client on a non-Active Directory computer:
- Go to https://vpn.fsu.edu/ Login with your FSU credentials (FSUID and password)
- Go to the AnyConnect section and click Start AnyConnect
- On the next page, click the Download for... button (this should reflect your computer's operating system, e.g., "Download for Windows") The download should begin - for more instructions, click + Instructions to the right of the Download button
If you are installing on an FSU-owned computer utilizing Active Directory, you should should be able to do so by going to the Software Center on your computer (access via the "Windows" button). Otherwise, contact CCS (or your local IT support team) for assistance.
Once you have the client installed, to connect to the FSU-Engineering VPN:
- Run the AnyConnect client
- Enter vpn.fsu.edu/eng in the server box
- Click the Connect button - you will be asked to login with your FSU credentials, and will be required to use two-factor authentication (DUO)
Upon successful login, you will be connected - your VPN connection continues (assuming no network interruptions) until you click Disconnect in the client or until the maximum connection time (12 hours) is reached.
For more information about the FSU Engineering VPN, see https://its.fsu.edu/service-catalog/wi-fi-and-connectivity/internet-network/virtual-private-network-cisco-anyconnect.
Engineering VPN
The Engineering VPN should only be used by users that cannot use the FSU Engineering VPN – in most cases, this would be students who do not have an employment relationship with the college.
The Engineering VPN requires a special account for authentication – if you have not been given a VPN account, you will need to contact CCS to request one.
CCS will also assist you with the setup of the Engineering VPN on your computer. Generally, on a Windows computer, you will access the Network & Internet settings (exact format will vary with the OS version), and add a VPN connection. Use the address vpn.eng.fsu.edu and provide a descriptive name of your choosing (such as “Engineering VPN”).