Using VPN Services in MCECS

Unless you are on a supported (Tier 1 or 2) desktop, access to many MCECS network services (Windows file services, Remote Desktop, Print Services, some Linux hosts) require the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The use of the VPN also provides the added benefit of an encrypted connection so that your data from your computer to MCECS systems is more secure. VPNs are necessary if you are connecting to many MCECS resources from off-site. You will need to use the VPN even if you are connecting from PSU Wi-Fi (as that network is still considered “external”).

The following two VPN choices are available to access systems that are only accessible from within PSU.

MCECS OpenVPN Service

If you already have OpenVPN installed and just need to download or update the client config files, you can get them here.

We recommend the split tunnel for most users. However, the full tunnel is required to access certain resources like the banner administrative interface, banner report downloads, and campus drupal website maintainers.

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

TheCAT provides OpenVPN access to all MCECS users. You must use your MCECS Account to authenticate to OpenVPN. To use OpenVPN in MCECS, you must be enrolled in MCECS MFA.

Windows	https://cat.pdx.edu/platforms/windows/remote-access/openvpn/
Mac	https://cat.pdx.edu/platforms/mac/vpn-services/openvpn-mac/
Linux	https://cat.pdx.edu/platforms/linux/remote-access/openvpn/
iOS (iPhone, iPad)	https://cat.pdx.edu/platforms/mobile/openvpn-ios/
Android (some Chromebooks too)	https://cat.pdx.edu/platforms/mobile/openvpn-for-android/

OIT Cisco AnyConnect VPN Service

LEARN ABOUT OIT ANYCONNECT VPN

OIT Cisco AnyConnect VPN

Use your Odin ID for authentication

AnyConnect access provided to all campus users (students and faculty). Most MCECS services are available through the AnyConnect VPN. You will need to also enroll in Duo Two-Step Verification. See details on the OIT website.

LEARN ABOUT OIT ANYCONNECT VPN

Verifying Your VPN Status

You can verify whether or not you are on the VPN using the following link:

https://status.cecs.pdx.edu/

Near the top of the page, there will be a banner indicating your VPN status

If you are not on the VPN, you will see “Outside PSU Network” in a beige banner
If you are on the VPN, you will see a green banner with the name of the server that you are connected with