Obtaining and Configuring the Cisco VPN Client for Windows XP at Rutgers

Note: To obtain the Cisco VPN "client" software, please visit the Rutgers University Software Portal. Downloading the installation file to the computer's desktop will make the installation file easier to find and to start. Documentation on how to download software from the software portal can be found at:

https://software.rutgers.edu/help/download.php

Also, please make sure you exit all other programs before installing the program.

Obtaining and Installing the VPN Software


1. After the Cisco VPN client install package has been downloaded and saved to the desktop, double click on the self-extracting file to begin the install process.




2. The WinZip Self-Extractor will start. Click the Unzip button.




3. The Installation Wizard will start:




4. Click Next. The Wizard will load the installation program on the computer and start the installation. When the license agreement dialog appears, click the radio button to accept the agreement, then click the Next button:

 



5. The installation program will prompt you to choose a location for the client:



6. Click Next to continue. A dialog indicating the product is ready to install will open:

 

 



7. Click Next . The Cisco client will be installed on your computer. Installation should take about a minute. When completed, a confirmation dialog will appear:

 

 



8. Click the Finish button to complete the installation. The Wizard will require the computer be restarted to use the VPN software. Click the Yes button. You may choose to restart the computer later but restarting the machine right away is recommended:

 

The Cisco VPN client is ready to configure for the Rutgers network

 


Creating a Connection Entry to the Rutgers Network

With the VPN software installed, the next step is to create a connection entry.

To create a connection entry:
  1. Start the VPN software by navigating through the Start menu to Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client, then VPN Client. The program will display its main dialog box:



  2. Click the New button to start the New Connection Entry Wizard. Enter the following into the text fields of the New Connection entry dialog box:

    • Give the Connection Entry an name, such as Rutgers VPN
    • Enter a description such as Access to the Rutgers Network via VPN
    • The Host name is vpn.rutgers.edu
    • Make sure the radio button for Group Authentication is checked
    • Enter rutgers-ipsec as the Name
    • The Password is rutgers in all lower-case letters
    • Enter rutgers again to Confirm Password



3. Click the Save button. The connection will be saved and the dialog box will close. The VPN client is ready to connect to the Rutgers network

 

Connecting to the Rutgers Network

1. Cisco Systems VPN Client and start the VPN Client. The connection dialog will open.

2. Select the entry you wish to use to connect (in this case Rutgers VPN) and click the Connect icon:



 

3. The client will open a dialog box in which you log in with your Rutgers NetID and the case-sensitive password associated with that account:

 



4. Click OK and the client will connect to the Rutgers network. You can use the network as if you were on campus.



5. When you are finished with your session you can disconnect the VPN by using the system tray icon (it looks like a small yellow padlock) in the lower right hand corner of the Desktop:



6. Right-click the yellow padlock icon to open a menu then choose Disconnect:



 

7. The icon will change to look "unlocked" and the client will disconnect from the Rutgers network. Exit the program by right-clicking the yellow padlock icon again and from that menu, select Exit.

(NOTE: Because using the VPN sometimes results in slow network performance, users should close the VPN connection when they are done accessing Rutgers applications.)

Need Help with the Cisco VPN Client?

Contact the Help Desk on your campus: