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Common WiFi Adapter/VPN Configuration

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did you know?

  • The "nyu" network is now ITS' recommended method of connecting to NYURoam, rather than the VPN instructions described on this page. Go to the "nyu" setup instructions >>
  • If you need help after following the setup instructions on this website, you can attend one of ITS' free NYURoam Wireless Workshops for hands-on help. To register, visit the ITS Classes pages.

Update: Connect Using "nyu" Instead

The "nyu" network is now ITS' recommended method of connecting to NYURoam, rather than the VPN instructions described on this page. "nyu" offers automatic sign-in to NYURoam and better security, and removes the need to use a separate VPN client. In most cases, you should only use the instructions on this page if you are using an older computer that is not compatible with "nyu" (see the "nyu" setup instructions to determine whether your computer is compatible).
Go to the "nyu" configuration instructions >>

About NYU-ROAM3

Although the Cisco VPN Client is primarily intended for those using common WiFi Adapters such as Netgear, Linksys, Intel, Belkin, Realtek, Dell, and other Cisco models, the VPN Client can also be used by those using Mac OS X and the Cisco AiroNet Adapter as a BACK UP ONLY, should the primary option (NYU-ROAM2) fail to work. Use of NYU-ROAM3 requires the installation of the Cisco VPN Client (described below). Be sure to secure your computer before connecting to NYURoam.

To begin, select your computer's operating system:

Windows Instructions

Connecting to NYU-ROAM3 from a Windows computer for the first time is a five-step process:

Step 1: Download & Install the Cisco VPN Client
Step 2: Configure the Cisco VPN Client
Step 3: Configure your Wireless Card
Step 4: Go to an NYURoam Access Location
Step 5: Run the Cisco VPN Client

Step 1. Download & Install the Cisco VPN Client

To download the Cisco VPN software, you must have access to the Internet from your laptop. If you do not have Internet access on this computer, use another computer with Internet access, download the software, save the file to a storage media, and then copy it to your laptop.

Click here for instructions on how to download the free Cisco VPN Client (you will need to log in with your NYU NetID and password). Return to this page when complete.

Once downloaded, the VPN Client should automatically extract itself on your computer; if not, double-click the blue "setup.exe" file to do so. Follow the instructions below to install the client.

  1. The setup file will begin to extract the core files.
  2. An Installshield Wizard window will open. Click Next to begin installation.
  3. Choose Yes to agree to the license agreement.
  4. Click Next to accept the default destination folder.
  5. Click Next to accept the "Program Folder" assignment.
  6. The installation process will begin, which should take a few minutes.
  7. Upon completion, click Finish in the window that opens to restart your computer.
  8. When your computer restarts, you are ready to configure your VPN Client (see step 4 below).

Step 2. Configure the Cisco VPN Client

Cisco Systems VPN Client Main Page
  1. Open the Cisco VPN Client by selecting Start menu > Programs > Cisco Systems VPN Client > VPN Client.
  2. Click New to create a new account.
    3. New Connection Entry Wizard Screenshot
  3. In the window that opens, for "Connection Entry" type any name of your choice, e.g., NYUVPN.
  4. Leave the "Description..." field empty.
  5. For "Host," type vpn.nyu.edu.*
    * NYU in Florence Residents ONLY: type vpn.nyu.florence.it instead.
  6. In the Authentication tab, select Group Authentication.
  7. For "Name" type nyu-vpn.
  8. For "Password", type nyu-net. For "Confirm Password" re-type nyu-net.
  9. Click Save.

Step 3: Configure Your Wireless Card

Windows XP Card Configuration Instructions

  1. Open the Start menu and select Control Panel (or Settings > Control Panel).
  2. Select Network Connections (or Network Connection and Internet Connection > Network Connections).
  3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
  4. At the top of the window that opens, make sure there's a check mark next to Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings (see screenshot below). Under "Preferred Networks," remove ALL access points named NYU-ROAM3. Next, click Add...
  5. For "Network name (SSID)" type NYU-ROAM3 (case sensitive, see screenshot below). Set "Data encryption" to Disabled from the dropdown menu (or, for SP1, uncheck "Data encryption"). At the bottom, make sure that "...computer-to-computer" is unchecked. Click OK to return to the Wireless Networks tab.
  6. At the bottom right of the Wireless Networks tab, click Advanced.
  7. Make sure "Any available network" is selected and "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" is unchecked.
  8. Click Close, then click OK in the Wireless Networks tab.

Windows 2000 Card Configuration Instructions

Open the Wireless Card's Utility Program that accompanies your wireless card. If possible, create a new profile for NYURoam. Locate the section for the "SSID" and type NYU-ROAM3 (case sensitive). For "Encryption," disable WEP encryption.

Step 4: Go to an NYURoam Access Location

To connect to NYURoam, you will need to be at a location within New York University that offers the service. Please see the NYURoam Locations page for the latest list of supported locations.

When you are at a designated NYURoam access location, your wireless card should start receiving a signal from NYU-ROAM3 within 5 seconds. To find out if you're connected to NYU-ROAM3 either move the mouse over the wireless network icon at the bottom right of your screen or check your wireless utility software. Once you have successfully connected, move on to Step 5, below.

Step 5. Run the Cisco VPN Client

Configured Client Screenshot
  1. TIP: For easy access to the VPN Client, open the VPN Client, right-click the profile within the VPN Client window and choose Create Shortcut.
  2. The main VPN Client window will now show the new profile you just created.
  3. NOTE: You will successfully connect with the VPN client ONLY WHEN you are receiving a wireless signal from NYU-ROAM3 (as described in Step 2)!
  4. Double-click the account name or click Connect to complete your connection to NYURoam.
  5. The User Authentication window will appear. For "Username" enter your NYU NetID, and for Password, enter the password you use with NYUHome.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Once you are connected, the VPN client will display a welcome message, informing you that you have connected to the VPN Service.
  8. Click Continue to close the window and remain connected to the VPN service, or click Disconnect to end the connection. Note: You can disconnect from the VPN service at any time by re-opening your VPN Client and clicking Disconnect.

Summary

Before you go, remember to perform the following steps whenever you wish to use NYURoam in the future:

  1. Be within an NYURoam Access Location.
  2. Make sure you wireless card is receiving a good signal from NYU-ROAM3.
  3. Open the Cisco VPN Client to authenticate using your NYU NetID and password.

Safety Tips While on the Internet

Make sure that you have installed the latest software updates for your operating system, and that it is free from virus or spyware. To assist you with computer security, ITS provides copies of Symantec AntiVirus and Lavasoft Ad-Aware in the Ask ITS area of NYUHome.) For more security tips, see the ITS Security website.


Macintosh OS X Instructions

Note: Apple's new Snow Leopard operating system comes with a built-in VPN client. For instructions on configuring it to work with NYU-NET, click here.

About NYU-ROAM3

Although NYU-ROAM3 is intended mainly for PC computers, the Cisco VPN Client is also available for the Macintosh OS X 10.x operating system. We recommend using NYU-ROAM2 first before trying NYU-ROAM3 (since NYU-ROAM3 requires the installation of the Cisco VPN Client). It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you first perform a Software Update to download and install the latest updates for your Macintosh AirPort card and Macintosh OS X operating system.

Connecting to NYU-ROAM3 from a Macintosh computer for the first time is a five-step process:
Step 1: Download & Install the Cisco VPN Client
Step 2: Configure the Cisco VPN Client
Step 3: Configure your AirPort Card
Step 4: Go to an NYURoam Access Location
Step 5: Run the Cisco VPN Client

Step 1: Download and Install the Cisco VPN Client

To download the Cisco VPN software, you must have access to the Internet from your laptop. If you do not have Internet access on this computer, use another computer with Internet access, download the software, save the file to a storage media, and then copy it to your laptop.

  1. Click here for instructions on how to download the Cisco VPN Client for Macintosh OS X (you will need to log in with your NYU NetID and password). Return to this page when complete.
  2. Save the file to your computer's Desktop in case you need to re-install the software.
  3. Double-click the installer file (.dmg).
  4. In the window that opens, double-click the Cisco VPN Client.mpkg file.
  5. In the Welcome window that opens, click Continue.
  6. Click Continue on the License Agreement screen, then click Agree.
  7. Choose your Macintosh Hard Drive as the destination of the Cisco VPN Client and click Continue.
  8. Click Install.
  9. If an Authenticate window appears, type in the administrative username and password for your computer and click OK.
  10. When the installation is complete, click Close.

Step 2: Configure the Cisco VPN Client

  1. Launch the VPN Client, located on your computer's hard drive, in the "Applications" folder. We suggest that you place a shortcut to the client on your desktop or in your "dock."
  2. In the window that opens, click New.
  3. In "Connection Entry:" type in a name of your choice (e.g., nyuvpn).
  4. Leave the "Description" field blank.
  5. In the "Host:" field type vpn.nyu.edu.*
    * NYU in Florence Residents ONLY: type vpn.nyu.florence.it instead.
  6. In the Authentication tab select Group Authentication.
  7. For "Name:" type nyu-vpn.
  8. For "Password:" type, in lower-case, nyu-net (will appear as bullets).
  9. For "Confirm Password:" re-enter nyu-net.
  10. Click Save.

Step 3: Configure Your AirPort Card

  1. Click the AirPort icon at the top right corner of your screen, and select Other....
  2. In the Closed Network window, for "Network Name:" type NYU-ROAM3 (case sensitive).
  3. Set "Wireless Security" to None.
  4. Click OK.

Step 4: Go to an NYURoam Access Location

To connect to NYURoam, you will need to be at a location within New York University that offers the service. Please see the NYURoam Access Locations page for the latest list of supported locations.

Step 5: Run the Cisco VPN Client

  1. Launch the VPN Client.
  2. Under the Connection Entry tab will be a listing of the new entry you created.
  3. Make sure that Macintosh AirPort is getting a signal from NYU-ROAM3 (check the icon at the top right of your screen for black waves).
  4. Click Connect at the top left corner of the window.
  5. In the User Authentication window that opens, enter your NYU NetID in the "Username" field, and the password you use with NYUHome in the "Password" field.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Once you are connected, the VPN Client will display a welcome message, informing you that you have connected to the VPN service.
  8. At times, the text message may also contain service-related information or announcements.
  9. Click Continue to close the window and remain connected to the VPN service, or click Disconnect to end the connection. Note: You can disconnect from the VPN service at any time by re-opening your VPN Client and clicking Disconnect.

Summary

Before you go, remember to perform the following steps whenever you wish to use NYURoam in the future:

  1. Be within an NYURoam Access Location.
  2. Make sure you wireless card is receiving a good signal from NYU-ROAM3.
  3. Open the Cisco VPN Client to authenticate using your NYU NetID and password.

Page last reviewed: August 19, 2008