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Clarkson VPN Connection Instructions

To access some Clarkson IT resources while not on the Clarkson wired or Eduroam wireless networks, you will need to install and connect to the Clarkson VPN.  If you think you need VPN access and have not previously requested it from the HelpDesk, please call (315)268-4357 or email the Helpdesk at helpdesk@clarkson.edu for assistance.

Before connecting, you must install the Clarkson VPN client. Read here for steps to install Clarkson VPN Client. 

First time logging into your laptop? You must connect to VPN before logging in.

Connecting on Windows 10 or 11: Before Login

First time logging into your laptop? You must connect to VPN before logging in.

Connect Before Login

  1. Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to bring up the Windows login screen
  2. Below the password box, select "Sign-in options"
  3. Click the FortiClient icon
    Forticlient-sbl-icon.jpg
  4. Enter your username and password as usual
    sbl-login.png
  5. Respond to the Duo prompt on your device
  6. When your Windows login has completed, you will also be connected to the Clarkson VPN. You can confirm by hovering over the FortiClient icon in the taskbar
    sbl-connected.png
Connecting on Windows 10 or 11: After Login

If you have recently changed networks (wired to WiFi, work to home, etc.) or your laptop has recently been opened or started from hibernation, you may experience a delay in connecting to the VPN.  If this occurs, please wait two minutes with the laptop on and connected to a network and retry the process below.

  1. Click the FortiClient icon in your taskbar
    iconontaskbar.png
  2. Select Connect to "Clarkson VPN"
    clicktoconnect.png
  3. Your default browser will open or open a new tab. If you do not already have a CAS login session, you will be prompted to login
  4. Once your login is complete, the FortiClient will complete your connection, then minimize itself. You can confirm you are connected by hovering over the FortiClient icon in the taskbar
    hover-over-connected.png
  5. You can close the browser tab that FortiClient opened
    browsertabafterauth.png
Connecting on MacOS

If you haven't already, please make sure you've installed the MacOS VPN client.

  1. Open "FortiClient.app" from your MacOS applications folder.
  2. Ensure VPN Name is set to "Clarkson VPN" and not "Clarkson VPN Before Login". 
  3. Press connect!
    • This should open your default browser where you'd normally login to your Clarkson account (https://cas.clarkson.edu). If you're prompted to login, please do so.

  4. Read and agree to the VPN terms of use.image.png

Once logged in and the terms have been agreed to, you can now return to your FortiClient application and see that it will be connected. Here is an example of a successfully connected VPN client.

image.psd.png

Note: If you quit the FortiClient application (⌘ + Q), the program and VPN will remain connected in the background but not show on your dock. You can quickly manage the VPN client from the menu bar. You will need to enter your MacOS password in order to shutdown the FortiClient application.

image.png

 

Having issues? Please contact helpdesk@clarkson.edu with any questions and/or concerns.

Connecting on iOS Devices
  1. Launch the FortiClient app and tap the "VPN" tab at the bottom
    FortiClientVPNtab.jpg
  2. Confirm your "Connections" indicates "Clarkson VPN". If it does not, please see https://bookstack.clarkson.edu/books/general-knowledge-base/page/clarkson-vpn-installation-instructions before proceeding
  3. Tap the switch on "VPN"
    vpn-switch.jpg
  4. You will be switched to a browser to login with your usual Clarkson login
  5. After completing the login process, you will be returned to the FortiClient app and should see you are connected
    vpnconnected.jpg
  6. To disconnect, tap the VPN switch again to turn off.
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