Frequently asked questions
Does the La Trobe VPN support 64-bit Windows 7?
Yes.
Why can't I get the VPN to work?
The VPN requires a working internet connection. This can be confirmed by opening your web browser and opening La Trobe University's home page. Failure to display the web page usually indicates a network problem with either your ISP or La Trobe University. Access to La Trobe University's VPN service will not be available until the network problem is resolved.
If you are able to access La Trobe University's home page but still encountering problems with the VPN please follow the instructions below.
- Check that your username and password are correct. Usernames should be entered in the format of LTU\username for staff, STUDENTS\username for students
- Make sure the VPN has been installed correctly. Try reinstalling the VPN client and rebooting your computer
If you are still unable to make a successful VPN connection and wish to report the problem to ICT please make sure you include the following information:
- Your IP address (if known)
- Your user name
- The exact time and date you tried to connect
- The error message you received
- Your operating system
When or why do I need a VPN connection?
If you are a La Trobe University staff member or student working from a site not directly connected to the University network, but require access to La Trobe IT services over the Internet, you will need a VPN connection to protect and safeguard transmission of sensitive data.
Also certain services such as SAP, StaffOnline or PCMS are accessible only if you are on the La Trobe network. The VPN connection makes your computer behave like any other computer connected to the La Trobe network, and thus freely access University IT resources after proper authorisation.
Does the VPN work when the client is behind a NAT gateway?
Yes.
What firewall ports might I need to open to use the VPN?
Transparent tunnelling allows secure transmission between the VPN Client and a secure gateway through a router serving as a firewall, which may also be performing Network Address Translation (NAT) or Port Address Translations (PAT). If your firewall requires manual configuration you may need to open the following ports:
- UDP port 500 (ISAKMP/IPSEC Key Management)
- UDP+TCP port 10000 (Encapsulated [NAT Support])
- UDP port 4500 (NAT Traversal)
What happens to my Internet connection and my home network?
When accessing La Trobe University's VPN, your computer or network device is directly connected to La Trobe University's network. ALL network traffic is directed through La Trobe University's network.
For security reasons all direct connections to other networks will be disabled. Access to other networks will only be made through La Trobe University's network. This means there will be limited access for some network applications as per La Trobe University's security policy.
Some affected network functions include:
- File sharing outside of La Trobe University
- Access to home LAN's (i.e. other computers and printers on a home network).
See below for information on how to:
- access the internet when the VPN is active
- access the La Trobe University Exchange server when the VPN is active
How can I access the internet from my ISP when the VPN is active?
When using the VPN client software your computer becomes part of La Trobe University's network.
ICT strongly suggests that you avoid normal Internet browsing while connected to the VPN. Instead, normal internet browsing should be performed using the normal home/ISP connection i.e. when the VPN is disconnected.
How can I access email when the VPN is active?
Please refer to the email support page.
Are there any time limits on VPN connections?
A VPN connection will automatically disconnect after:
- 30 minutes idle time
- 3 hours connection time
Can I use AppleTalk to access AppleShare servers through the VPN?
No. The VPN only supports IP, not AppleTalk.
Can I delete the icon for the VPN Client in the Startup menu?
Yes.