ɬ﷬

When to use VPN and Remote Desktop (RDP)

Warning message appearing on ɬ﷬-owned computers: “Your Windows license will expire soon”. If you see this notification on a computer that you have borrowed from ɬ﷬, connect to the to resolve this issue. You may have to reconnect to VPN if the message reappears.

While you are working remotely, VPN and Remote Desktop (RDP) may be required to access some files and systems, but not others. We recommend that you connect to VPN and RDP only when required, to ensure the best possible performance.

What is VPN and RDP?

allows for secure communications over the Internet to ɬ﷬'s network.

  • It mimics being on the ɬ﷬ network.
  • You use it to access files and programs on the ɬ﷬ network that normally require access from on campus.

Remote Desktop (RDP) lets you connect to your Windows work computer through the Internet to access files or tools on your work computer.

  • RDP provides direct access to your machine.
  • You use it for files and programs that require you to be on your ɬ﷬ computer.

When should you use VPN and RDP?

Expand the menus below for a list of systems and resources that can be accessed without VPN / RDP, and a list of those that may require it.

VPN for Students

At the moment, there is increased demand on VPN connections. To manage the demand on ɬ﷬ VPN resources, we are employing what is called "split tunnelling," which allows us to direct non-ɬ﷬ internet traffic away from VPN in order to ensure access to everyone who needs it.

Student resources that do NOT require VPN:

  • Zoom
  • Library Resources
    • Some journal subscriptions do require VPN, although most can be viewed withoutusing the library's eZProxy service

You may need to use VPN to access:

  • Internal research equipment
  • Data on ɬ﷬ servers
  • Specialized lab computers

This may have an impact on your access to resources that you need for your coursework or research. If this is the case please .

VPN and Remote Desktop for Teaching

When setting yourself up for remote teaching:

Teaching resources that do NOT require VPN:

  • Zoom

You may need to use VPN and/or RDP to access:

  • Internal research equipment
  • Your computer at the office
  • Specialized lab computers

VPN and Remote Desktop for Staff and Administrative functions

Note: Some ɬ﷬ systems and applications can be accessed without RDP or VPN. Using these tools when unnecessary may cause reduced performance of the application and can put undue stress on ɬ﷬’s servers and bandwidth.

Staff and Administrativeresources that do NOT require VPN:

  • Webex

You may need to use VPNto access:

  • POPS
  • IP Communicator for Cisco phones (not available for macOS). This is available for call centers only.

You may need to use RDPto access:

  • Your computer at the office
  • Specialized software

When using RDP note:

  • Consider moving local files that comply with the to your OneDrive for Business folder so that you do not need to rely on a remote desktop connection throughout the day.
  • When you are finished accessing your ɬ﷬ computer, it is important to logoff the remote desktop session. Do not choose “Shutdown”. Shutting down your ɬ﷬ computer will require a manual on-site intervention to power it back up.
  • A remote desktop connection only needs to be launched once. Do not relaunch a second RDP session from your ɬ﷬ computer to access another system.
  • VPN only needs tobe launched once. Do not relaunch VPN after you are connected by RDP to your ɬ﷬ computer. Any files or resources requiring VPN will recognize the first instance.
  • Banner can be accessed directly (without RDP)once you establish a VPN connection to the following .
Back to top