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Off-campus Access

AnyConnect Client FAQ

1. Will my software still be updated remotely via the off campus connection?

2. I cannot gain access to a particular resource, why is that?

3. I've tried to use a piece of license managed software and it has failed. What should I do?

4. Why can I not access other devices on my local network (for example, networked printers and hard drives, media centres and other PCs) when connected to the University's VPN?

5. Do all of my Internet requests go through to VPN or just those resources at Loughborough?

6. When connected to the VPN using the AnyConnect client from a public wifi hotspot, is my Internet traffic protected from being intercepted and viewed (sometimes referred to as sniffed) by other users of the hotspot?

7. When I try to connect to the VPN using the AnyConnect client I get a message saying "Unable to establish VPN" or "Could not connect to secure gateway. Please try again". What is causing this problem?

8. When attempting to connect to the VPN service why do I get the error message "Failed to Initialise Connection Subsystem"? What can I do?

9. I cannot send e-mail from home when I'm connected to the VPN, can I fix this?

1. Will my software still be updated remotely via the off campus connection?

   To ensure that IT Services does not deliver large software updates to users via broadband solutions that are subject to "fair usage" policies, we patch essential Windows and Office vulnerabilities only. Other software will be updated on return to campus.

2. I cannot gain access to a particular resource, why is that?

   We provide access to all IT Central Services, plus Remote Desktop and SSH (Secure Shell) access to all departments. If your department is running a local server, then we need to add that resource to our list. Please ask your local IT Support Staff to provide details through the Service Desk system.

3. I've tried to use a piece of license managed software and it has failed. What should I do?

   Due to the licensing agreements in place for licensed managed software we can only grant access following a request from the member of staff managing the license server. Please ask them to check the licensing conditions and then e-mail  IT.Services@lboro.ac.uk with the IP address and port number.

4. Why can I not access other devices on my local network (for example, networked printers and hard drives, media centres and other PCs) when connected to the University's VPN?

   This is because Enable Local LAN access (if configured) is not enabled in your client. Please click on the relevant link below for instructions on how to enable this:

   • Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7

   • Mac OS X

   • Linux

5. Do all of my Internet requests go through to VPN or just those resources at Loughborough?

   All of your Internet traffic goes through the VPN to Loughborough. This ensures that you can access Internet based resources such as journals and databases which could otherwise be restricted to on-campus use only. As such, please disconnect from the VPN when you do not need it and remember that when connected to the VPN you are bound by the University's IT Acceptable Use Policies.

   If you have any further questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact the IT Services' Service Desk.

6. When connected to the VPN using the AnyConnect client from a public wifi hotspot, is my Internet traffic protected from being intercepted and viewed (sometimes referred to as sniffed) by other users of the hotspot?

   Yes, other wifi users will not be able to intercept and view (in an intelligible form) your traffic while you are connected to the VPN using the AnyConnect client, as your traffic is encrypted between your client and the VPN server at Loughborough University.

7. When I try to connect to the VPN using the AnyConnect client I get a message saying "Unable to establish VPN" or "Could not connect to secure gateway. Please try again". What is this causing this problem?

   We have seen issues when using various Internet Security or Antivirus programs. IT Services recommends that users uninstall that software and install McAfee, the University's recommended antivirus and anti-malware package. It is available free of charge to download for all staff and students of the University.

   It is also necessary to disable any Internet Connection Sharing facilities that may be enabled as these can stop the VPN client from establishing a successful connection.

   In Windows XP please check the Advanced tab within the Properties of your Local Area Network connection to confirm that Windows own Internet Connection Sharing facility is disabled.

   In Windows 7 and Vista: from Start select Control Panel and then enter adapter in the search box; under Network and Sharing Centre click View network connections; right-click Local Area Network and select Properties (you may be required to enter an Administrator password); select the Sharing tab and confirm that Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection is not selected.

8. When attempting to connect to the VPN service why do I get the error message "Failed to Initialise Connection Subsystem"? What can I do?

   This may be because Internet Explorer is running in Offline mode. Please load Internet Explorer and check the Tools menu (or File menu in Internet Explorer version 6) to confirm that "Work Offline" is not enabled. Note: if you can't see the menu, press the Alt key. If turning off "Work Offline" does not fix the problem then please contact our Service Desk for further assistance.

9. I cannot send e-mail from home when I'm connected to the VPN, can I fix this?

   For security reasons, IT Services prevents sending of unauthenticated e-mails through the VPN. If your ISP supports secure authenticated sending on port 465 or 587, then change your e-mail setup to allow sending through the VPN. Information on how to do that should be on your ISP's help pages.

   Otherwise, we recommend queueing your e-mail, until you disconnect the VPN, at which point your e-mails will be sent.