VPN Access
DLS VPN Overview
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tunnel over the Internet used to securely connect to a remote network or server. It is a versatile and secure way to connect from your home broadband connection to your email, server data, Rutgers protected online journals, and even your office or lab computer. While connected to our VPN, all network activity will be encrypted and sent through the DLS network, which requires more resources and bandwidth, therefore users should be connected only when actively using the DLS network. Please be aware that the DLS Acceptable Use policy which prohibits peer to peer file sharing on the DLS network applies to any device connected to the DLS VPN. It is also the responsibility of the user to ensure that their computer has all security and virus updates installed otherwise DLS VPN remote access privileges may be suspended.
Please note the following:
- Before connecting to the DLS VPN Service users must to contact the DLS Helpdesk and request VPN access for their account
Please note your specific system type first and select the applicable VPN client. Typically in windows this can be found by opening your Control Panel and selecting "System". The Windows edition and System type fields will typically help you decide if you need a 64bit or 32bit client. Click on the correct download link for your Windows version and select Run.
After installing the client, please enter your DLS username, password and the domain of LIFE_SCIENCES to connect. On XP and Vista you may see a small computer icon appear on the task bar for the VPN. On Windows 7 and above it will be visible if you left click on the network icon in the task bar.
* Client updated 9-15-2014 *
Due to the various settings and differences between each version of MAC OSX and Linux we cannot provide specific step-by-step instructions for your connectivity. However below are the server details which can help you configure your system.
- Macs, iPhones and iPads can be configured with the L2TP VPN settings by clicking and installing this file Rutgers DLS VPN L2TP
- For PPTP type connections (will not work on the latest Mac OSX):
- VPN Type: PPTP
- Server Address (IP): vpn.dls.rutgers.edu
- Authentication (if necessary): MSCHAPv2
- Username: Your DLS name
- Password: Your DLS password
- Domain: LIFE_SCIENCES
| How Do I See my Network Shares? |
Note: This requires an active DLS VPN Remote Session first or direct connection to the DLS Network.
- Open My Computer (or any explorer window)
- Click on the command or location text box at the top of the window
- Type the server name: \\ad.lifesciences.rutgers.edu\ OR \\nel-data2.ad.lifesciences.rutgers.edu\ and press enter
- *If prompted for a username and password enter the following information:
- User Name = Your DLS username in the form of life_sciences\username or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Password = Your DLS password
- The network file server should now be visible. Simply navigate to find the specific share you would like to access.
Note: This requires an active DLS VPN Remote Session first or direct connection to the DLS Network.
- In Finder select Go -> Connect to Server.
- Type the server name: smb://ad.lifesciences.rutgers.edu/ OR smb://nel-data2.ad.lifesciences.rutgers.edu and press enter
- Select Add to Favorites (for easy access later) then Click Connect.
- *If prompted for a username and password enter the following information:
- User Name = Your DLS username in the form of life_sciences\username or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Password = Your DLS password
- The network file server should now be visible in Finder. Simply navigate to find the specific share you would like to access.


