A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is simply a tunnel over the Internet used to securely connect to a remote network or server. It is a versatile and convenient way to connect from your home Broadband connection to your email, server data, Rutgers protected online journals, and even your office or lab computer. All information is sent securely over the encrypted VPN connection.
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 same Acceptable Use policy which prohibits peer to peer file sharing on the DLS network also applies while computers are connected to the DLS VPN.
Note: Before you can connect to the DLS VPN, you will need to contact the DLS Helpdesk and request access!
Once you have access to the DLS VPN, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that your computer has all recommended security and virus updates installed. If a computer is found to be transmitting a virus or other malicious data, the VPN and remote access privileges of the user will be suspended.
How do I connect to the DLS VPN?
Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / Vista 64bit:
First you will need to download and install the DLS VPN client. Click on the following link and select Run. Please note there are two downloads available below. We recommend using the PPTP client as it works in more situations however you can choose to try the second client below, the L2TP one if you are having problems connecting.
| We recommend using this client as it is the most compatible and will work in almost all situations. It provides data encryption and security for Windows 2000, XP and Vista 32bit. |
Windows 2000/XP/Vista DLSVPN Client (PPTP) |
 |
| This client uses IPsec and the L2TP protocol and provides a slightly higher level of data encryption. We recommend using this client if the PPTP client has trouble connecting. |
Windows 2000/XP/Vista DLSVPN Client (L2TP) |
|
| This client is designed for Windows Vista 64 bit versions. It provides data encryption and security and is our recommended client. |
Vista 64bit DLSVPN Client (PPTP) |
|
| This client is also designed for Windows Vista 64 bit versions. It provides data encryption and security and is recommended when the above PPTP client has trouble connecting. |
Vista 64bit DLSVPN Client (L2TP) |
|
After installing the client simply open the connection and enter your DLS username and password to connect. For PC users, for the domain field please type life_sciences. If it connects successfully you should see a small computer icon appear on the task bar. To disconnect simply right click on this icon and select Disconnect.
MAC OS X:
To connect we recommend using the latest OS X version available. These instructions were designed in OS X 10.4 but should be similar for all OS X versions.
PPTP VPN directions:
1. Open Internet Connect, located in the Applications folder.
2. Select File -> New VPN Connection.
3. Select"PPTP" as the VPN type.
4. Change the Configuration dropdown from Other to Edit Configuration, which will open a new window.
5. Enter the following information, then click OK.
Description = DLSVPN
Server Address = dlsvpn.rutgers.edu
Account Name = Your DLS userID
User Authentication = Password
6. Enter your DLS password and click Connect to establish the VPN connection.
This configuration is the most compatible and will work in almost all situations. It still provides good data encryption and security. The VPN status icon should appear in the top menu bar on your desktop to easily disconnect once you are done.
How do I access my files on the server and my M drive?
Before proceeding you should ensure you know your unique Network Paths. There are unique Network Paths for every shared network drive you have access to though typically it it not displayed on screen. The DLS Helpdesk will provide this to any user wishing to access their data from home. It should look something like this depending if you are connecting from a Mac or a PC: \\nel-data2\public or smb://nel-data2/smith$
Windows 2000 / XP / Vista:
First, connect to the DLS VPN.
1. Right click on My computer and choose Map Network Drive from the menu. Or, open My Computer, and select Tools -> Map Network Drive.
2. Enter the PC Network Path for folder. Once this is done, do not hit finish, but select connect using a different name. This will open a Connect As window. Enter your DLS username in the form of life_sciences\username or username@dls.rutgers.edu and your DLS password. Select OK to close this box and then Finish.
The network drive should now be visible under My Computer and will only be available as long as the DLS VPN connection is active. To disconnect the network drive, Right Click on My Computer again and select Disconnect Network Drive, and select the drive to disconnect.
Mac OS X:
First, connect to the DLS VPN.
1. In Finder, Click the Go menu, then choose Connect to Server.
2. Enter the MAC Network Path which may look something like:
smb://nel-data2.ad.lifesciences.rutgers.edu/username$
3. Select Add to Favorites (for future use) then Click Connect.
4. A window will appear for your username and password.
Enter your DLS username and password. Also verify the Domain is
LIFE_SCIENCES.
The network drive should now appear on your desktop. To disconnect the network drive, simply drag the icon to the trash.
Please Note: The Division Of Life Sciences no longer provides departmental dialup or modem access.
Dialup services are now provided by Rutgers University which can be found here.
