Proxies and VPN

Proxies

Web Proxy

If you're just looking to access library resources like subscription journals, you can make use of the library's web-based proxy.

SSH Tunnel

If you're looking for a quick and dirty way to obtain a VT IP, you can run a secure shell socks proxy using a CVL (ECE) or rlogin (CS) shell account.

VPN

Connecting to the Internet through Virginia Tech's Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the only officially advertised and supported method of accessing certain resources such as VT Network Software from off-campus. Alternatively, you can use SSH tunnels or proxies to obtain a Virginia Tech IP address.

Updated as of Summer 2021 (for Debian):

1. Install the "openconnect" package
2. Run "sudo openconnect --protocol=pulse 'https://vpn.nis.vt.edu/vttraffic'"
   • If it complains that about 'pulse', then try: "sudo openconnect --protocol=nc 'https://vpn.nis.vt.edu/vttraffic'"
3. At the login prompt, enter your VT PID.
4. At the password prompt, enter you NETWORK PASSWORD. (This is not the same as your VT login password, but a generated with 16 characters like "ghrt-oiuy-dgfj-lkjl") To generate one or get a new one you'll have to go to your VT accounts page (found at https://vt4help.service-now.com/sp?id=kb_article&sys_id=5e76ba690f266500d3254b9ce1050eff#networkchange).
5. When prompted for password#2, enter the method of 2-factor authentication you want to use
6. Minimize the terminal you used for openconnect or enter ^ctrl-Z' to put the job in the background. If you now enter 'ifconfig' or 'ip add', you will see a new ip address assigned to you.

IPsec

See IPsec