Questions
- What does VPN stand for?
- What does using a VPN at Bowdoin allow me to do?
- What can I access when I use Bowdoin VPN?
- Where can I get more information such as how to install Bowdoin's VPN service?
Environment
Bowdoin's VPN service is available for all current Bowdoin students, staff, and faculty. It can be used on Bowdoin-issued devices and personal device as long as they meet minimum security requirements.
Information
VPN is an acronym that stands for Virtual Private Network. By accessing a VPN, some portion of your network traffic will appear as if it is on a different network than the one you are currently connected to.
For Bowdoin, if you use Bowdoin's VPN, you authenticate with your Bowdoin username, password and 2-step authentication device which verifies who you are. Once complete, you will then have access to some Bowdoin services that are not normally available from off campus.
The VPN portal name, also known as the Global Protect portal, is "remoteaccess.bowdoin.edu"
When you use Bowdoin'd VPN, you will be able to access most Bowdoin-provided services while away from campus that originate from campus. This means that you will need to use the VPN to access network file services, PolarFlix, some software license managers, and the High Performance Computing environment (HPC). You do NOT need to use the VPN in order to access services that do not originate from campus. These services are available over the Internet, including Campus Groups, Canvas, Workday, Virtual lab environment, Xfinity on Campus, and much more.
Installation and Use
We have various articles that will walk you through installing and using Bowdoin's VPN software, called GlobalProtect. Click on the corresponding article that represents your situation for detailed instructions.