VPN

Our VPN allows staff and students to securely access campus services remotely.

Requirements for the VPN

  • A valid La Trobe account is needed to use the VPN.
  • Internet access is required to establish the VPN.
  • VPN client software must be installed to connect.
  • Provides secure access to campus systems from anywhere in the world.

Connection

To connect:

  1. Click Start or press the Start button on your keyboard.
  2. Start typing BIG-IP Edge Client. Your text will appear in the search field to the right of the Start button.
  3. Click Big-IP Edge Client in the search results.
  4. Click Connect.
  5. The client will download the configuration from the server, initialise and once connected, it will minimise. If asked, enter your La Trobe username and password as indicated on the page.

To view the connection status 

  1. Right-click the icon in the System Tray.
  2. To show the client, click Main Console.
  3. To see traffic information, click Show Graph.
  4. To see further information, click View Details.

To disconnect 

  1. Right-click the icon in the System Tray.
  2. Click Disconnect.

To connect:

  1. In Finder, click Go and select Applications.
  2. Double-click La Trobe VPN Client.
  3. Enter your La Trobe username and password when prompted. The VPN will establish a connection.

To view the connection status 

  1. Click the icon in the menu bar.
  2. Select View Details.

To disconnect 

  1. Click the icon in the menu bar.
  2. Select Turn VPN Off.

Connecting to the La Trobe VPN is currently unavailable for Linux users.

To install 

  1. Navigate to the App Store.
  2. Search for and install F5 Access.
  3. Open F5 Access and tap Add New.
  4. Enter a Description for the connection and enable Web Logon. Note: The description can be anything, e.g. LTU VPN.
  5. Enter the server address: https://connect.latrobe.edu.au
  6. Tap Save.
  7. Tap Allow access.

To connect 

  1. Tap the Connection slider to initiate.
  2. Enter your La Trobe username and password and tap Logon.
  3. You are now connected to the VPN.

To view the connection status 

  1. Tap "Connected:xx:xx:xx" to view the connection details.

To disconnect 

  1. Tap the Connection slider.

Known Issues

  1. Click the Start button and select Control Panel.
  2. Click the View by drop-down-list in the top-right corner and select Large icons.
  3. Click Administrative Tools.
  4. Double-click Services.
  5. Locate and right-click Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and select Properties.
  6. Change the Startup type to Disabled.
  7. Click OK.

If you see the "No internet access" error message for the network connection, possibly accompanied by a “globe” icon in the system tray or menu bar:

It is likely that you are connected to a cabled internet connect and also have Wireless turned on.

Solution: Either unplug the cable or disable wireless. You may also need to disconnect and reconnect the VPN after doing this.

FAQ

The VPN requires a working internet connection.

This can be confirmed by opening your web browser and opening La Trobe University's home page. Access to La Trobe University's VPN service will not be available until the network problem is resolved.

If your internet is working but you are still encountering problems with the VPN, please follow the instructions below.

  1. Check that your username and password are correct. Usernames should be entered in the format of LTU\username for staff, STUDENTS\username for students
  2. Make sure the VPN has been installed correctly.
  3. Try reinstalling the VPN client and rebooting your computer

Yes.

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)

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).

When using the VPN client software your computer becomes part of La Trobe University's network.

IS 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.

A VPN connection will automatically disconnect after:

  • 30 minutes idle time
  • 3 hours connection time

Yes.