UNSW VPN

The UNSW Enterprise Remote Access VPN Service (or UNSW VPN) allows you to establish a secure network connection between an off-campus computer and UNSW networked resources.

CSE System Support recommends using UNSW VPN to access CSE vLAB

The UNSW VPN is implemented using a feature (known technically as split tunnel) which means that only traffic destined for UNSW network utilises the UNSW VPN link back to UNSW whereas all other traffic uses the client’s local internet link.

For example, if you are accessing a UNSW application this will utilise the VPN, however if you are accessing a public website (e.g. google) or other internet services (e.g. video streaming, cloud storage) these will not utilise the VPN link.

Furthermore, UNSW VPN is not necessary when accessing UNSW network resources that are generally available in public, such as UNSW's web sites, or when you are physically on campus.

The main VPN endpoint is available to all current staff, students and affiliates who possess an active zID.

This endpoint allows client computers accessing network services within CSE Networks that are otherwise restricted from outside

Notably, it permits network access to CSE vlab

Main endpoint: https://vpn.unsw.edu.au

For assistance with accessing the UNSW VPN or report any issues please contact UNSW IT Service Centre via telephone (9385-1333) or email ITServiceCentre@unsw.edu.au.

Using the UNSW VPN Service

Download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client software from the UNSW VPN Service page. This page also links to instructions for installing the client software and all available VPN endpoints.

When you run the VPN client, it will show a connection entry (URL) indicating the VPN endpoint you are about to connect.

To connect to the service, click the Connect button.

You should be prompted for a username and password, this will be your UNSW zID and zPass.

Student VPN access

If you are a student, use: https://vpn.unsw.edu.au

CSE System Support recommends using this endpoint to access CSE vLAB

UNSW Faculty of Engineering VPN (Staff Only)

If you are a Faculty of Engineering staff member, use https://vpn.unsw.edu.au/feng

This VPN group allows client computers accessing network services within UNSW Engineering sub-network that are otherwise restricted from outside UNSW which includes CSE networks.

Notably, it permits network access to Staff SOE computers.

China Students Access Network

This service is to provide UNSW students in China more seamless network access to UNSW resources and functions from their homes abroad.

It is a service provided by UNSW IT, and not CSE Computer Support. This webpage describes how to use the service.

Library VPN

UNSW Library VPN is a full-tunneling VPN service which will divert ALL network traffic to UNSW network.

Please consult with "Accessing Library Journals & Restricted Geographic content" section on UNSW VPN page for more infomation UNSW VPN.

Uninstalling Anyconnect VPN on OSX

The Cisco Anyconnect VPN often has problems uninstalling on OSX.

The uninstall may fail, removing the uninstaller without properly de-registering the software.

At this point, reinstalling the software may fail, as the system thinks it's already installed.

To fix this, open up a terminal and run:

This will de-register the software, allowing you to reinstall correctly.

CSE OpenVPN Service

CSE runs a VPN using the OpenVPN software. This works on all major operating systems and distributions and has a relatively straightforward setup across the board. This permits access computers on CSE's server, trusted and untrusted subnetworks in a secure fashion from outside of the university.

With some special configuration it also permits you to access sites outside CSE as if you were on a computer within CSE (and UNSW). For instance, this allows you to access services that only respond to UNSW IP addresses.

Please read our guide to the CSE OpenVPN service.