Connecting to OpenVPN on Windows

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Once you are connected to the VPN, your internet traffic will be directed through PSU’s VPN hardware, and it will appear that you are connected physically to PSU’s network. This will allow you to use private MCECS services that require a connection to the PSU network, like Remote Desktop and VNC.

CECS vs. CECS Full Tunnel

CECS – a split tunnel configuration. Only data directed at PSU is sent through the VPN. The rest of your connections to other sites on the internet go through your ISP.

CECS Full Tunnel – a full tunnel configuration. ALL data from your computer is sent to PSU through the VPN. Should only be used for special needs.

Most MCECS users should find the CECS configuration sufficient for their needs. It is possible to set up both profiles and decide which one to use when connecting to the VPN.

When would full tunnel access be required

Full tunnel access is needed for users attempting to access the banner administrative interface, banner report downloads, campus drupal website maintainers, among other things.

Configuration Steps

1) Install OpenVPN client

Go to:

https://OpenVPN.net/client/

and download the client installer for your operating system.

Screenshot of the OpenVPN Connect web page. The download button for Windows computers is highlighted.

2) Run the installer

Depending on your browser, you could run it from the download dialog. Or go to your downloads location and run the installer from there.

Screenshot showing how to begin OpenVPN installation.

3) Follow the installer steps until the client is installed

Your client may auto-run once the installation is finished. You may have to move it aside in order to download the configuration files.

Screenshot of a popup saying that OpenVPN installation is complete.

4) Download MCECS OpenVPN configuration files

Click below to download the OpenVPN configuration files(s) of your choice.

MCECS default split-tunnel profile:
https://intranet.cecs.pdx.edu/downloads/files/openvpn/current/cecs_openvpn_connect/cecs.ovpn

MCECS full-tunnel profile:
https://intranet.cecs.pdx.edu/downloads/files/openvpn/current/cecs_openvpn_connect/cecs_full_tunnel.ovpn

5) Import the OpenVPN configuration file into your client

There are two methods to import your configuration – using the client import feature or double-clicking on the configuration file.

5.1) Import configuration using the import feature of the client

Choose the import profile item in the OpenVPN client menu.

Screenshot of the OpenVPN app. A menu is open and "Import File" is highlighted in red.

Use the upload file option to import the configuration file. The URL method will not work in MCECS.

Screenshot of the OpenVPN app. A red box reads "Use UPLOAD FILE".

5.2) Double-click on the configuration file

Click OK on the import popup

Screenshot of the OpenVPN app, asking if the user wants to import the selected file.

6) Use your MCECS account to authenticate to OpenVPN

Screenshot of the OpenVPN app, asking for a username and password.

Your Odin account will not work when trying to authenticate to OpenVPN.

7) You will now be connected to OpenVPN using the configuration (profile) that you specified.

Screenshot of an OpenVPN profile with a successful connection.

Miscellaneous

 Manually restarting OpenVPN

After a reboot, you may need to reconnect to OpenVPN to access MCECS resources. Activate the VPN configuration (profile) as needed.

Screenshot of the OpenVPN app. The button to connect to a profile is highlighted.

To check whether you are connected to the VPN

Go to:

https://status.cecs.pdx.edu

The top bar of this site will tell you whether you are on the VPN or not.