NOTE: The Physics VPN server described below has been decommissioned.
Please use the new campus-run VPN based on the "Pulse Secure" software.
To access Broida networks, you must add the Two-Factor-Authentication system based on "Duo Mobile".
Contact PCS for details, and access.

Why use the VPN?

Physics Computing Services provides an SSL-VPN server, vpn.physics.ucsb.edu, that can be used to access protected resources on the Physics Network.

• The Virtual Office provides access to protected resources on the Physics Network via a secure web browser window
  • The following resource types can be used: HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, VNC, FTP, Telnet, RDP, Windows file shares (CIFS, SMB)
  • You can create personal bookmarks for frequently accessed resources
    
• The standalone NetExtender client provides a direct private network connection to the Physics Network (for applications or protocols not supported above, or for general convenience when connecting to multiple applications in a telecommuting situation)
  • NetExtender clients are available for Windows, Mac and Linux
  • An IP address is assigned in the range 128.111.17.145-160

To begin using the VPN:

• If you already have a UCSB NetID and password, you will use that for login.
• If you are a Guest user, complete a PCS Computer Account Request form and specify VPN in the "File Server" section
• PCS will contact you when your account has been configured
• Ensure that you are using a NAT-type firewall router if you are on a home network (behind a cable modem or DSL line)
• Turn on a host-based firewall (Windows Firewall, or built-in firewall in Mac OS X or Linux)
  

To connect to the Virtual Office:

• Open a web browser and go to: https://vpn.physics.ucsb.edu
  • Enter your UCSB NetID/password for username and password, choosing UCSB NetID for Domain, or use the username/password provided to you by PCS and Local Domain for Domain from the list
  • Click on Add Bookmark to add access to a new resource
  • Fill in the Bookmark Name
  • In the Name/IP Address field, put in the fully-qualified domain name or path to the resource, i.e. www.physics.ucsb.edu/~jdoe/protectedpage Do NOT use the leading part of the URL (like http://) or your bookmark will not work.
  • Click Add
  • Click on your newly-created bookmark to test its functionality

To use the NetExtender client (Win, Mac or Linux):

• Open a web browser and go to: https://vpn.physics.ucsb.edu
• Click on the NetExtender icon
• Follow the instructions for installation
• Launch the NetExtender client with your username, password and Domain
  
• To use Mobile Connect on Apple OS X El Capitan, please see instructions here.

If you have questions about the usage of the VPN server, please contact PCS at x8366 or email pcs@physics.ucsb.edu.