University VPN Getting Started Guide

University VPN Getting Started Guide

The University Client VPN provides off-campus users with secure remote access to PennNet. Unlike existing VPN services that are currently offered by ISC and other Schools or Centers, the University VPN service is not designed to provide secure remote access to any specific data center(s) on campus. Instead, it allows access to the campus network generally, so that users can have the same network experience from a remote location as they currently do while connected to AirPennNet or by plugging into a physical port on campus. The University Client VPN uses Palo Alto's GlobalProtect software.

How to download and install GlobalProtect

Please see the appropriate tab below for installation and configuration instructions.

macOS

Downloading and installing

  1. Go to vpn.upenn.edu and click Download Mac 32/64 bit GlobalProtect agent.
  2. Open the downloaded GlobalProtect.pkg file and follow the prompts to install the GlobalProtect VPN application.
  3. On some versions of macOS, you may see a System Extension Blocked prompt. If you do, click Open Security Preferences, then click Allow to approve the "Palo Alto Networks" extension to load. 

 

Configuring the application and connecting to the VPN

  1. Once you have installed the application, click the GlobalProtect icon in the menu bar.
  2. Enter vpn.upenn.edu in the portal address field and click Connect.
  3. A browser window will open to a PennKey login screen. Enter your PennKey username and password, then click Log in.
  4. Follow the prompts for Two-Step Verification (Duo). After logging in, your device will connect to the University Client VPN service. 

Windows

Downloading and installing

  1. Go to vpn.upenn.edu and select the appropriate Windows download option (32 or 64-bit) for your system.

    Note: Most Windows systems are 64-bit, so if you are unsure which version to download, try the Download Windows 64 bit GlobalProtect agent option first.

  2. Open the downloaded GlobalProtect64.msi file (or GlobalProtect.msi for 32-bit systems) and follow the prompts to install the GlobalProtect VPN application.

 

Configuring the application and connecting to the VPN

  1. Once you have installed the application, click the GlobalProtect icon in the taskbar.
  2. Enter vpn.upenn.edu in the portal address field and click Connect.
  3. A browser window will open to a PennKey login screen. Enter your PennKey username and password, then click Log in.
  4. Follow the prompts for Two-Step Verification (Duo). After logging in, your device will connect to the University Client VPN service. 

iOS

Downloading and installing

Search for and install the GlobalProtect app in the App Store.

 

Configuring the application and connecting to the VPN

Open the GlobalProtect app, then enter vpn.upenn.edu in the address field and tap Connect.

 

Android

Downloading and installing

Search for and install the GlobalProtect app in the Google Play Store.

 

Configuring the application and connecting to the VPN

Open the GlobalProtect app, then enter vpn.upenn.edu in the address field and tap Connect.

Linux

Please note: Linux is not an officially supported operating system at Penn. Installers are provided "as-is."

Current Linux installers, as well as installation instructions describing GUI and CLI-based installs can be found in the following Penn+Box folder:

GlobalProtect Linux Installers (Box link)

Additional resources: