Connecting to the SSCC Network via VPN

VPN (Virtual Private Networking) allows a computer to connect to the SSCC network as if it were in the building regardless of its physical location. This gives you access to all the network drives and printers. It also gives you a UW IP address, which allows you to use services like many of the library databases which are restricted to UW IP addresses.

VPN also bypasses the SSCC's firewall, so please make sure your computer is secure and virus-free before setting up VPN. Also, be aware while your VPN connection is active, all traffic between your computer and the Internet is first routed through the SSCC. Please only activate your VPN connection when you actually need it to use SSCC or UW resources.

Setting Up VPN

To set up VPN follow the instructions for your operating system.

Windows 7

  1. Click on the Windows logo button, Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click Set up a new connection or network.
  3. Click Connect to a workplace, Next, and Use my Internet connection (VPN).
  4. In the Internet address box, type vpn.ssc.wisc.edu. In the Destination name box type something like SSCC. Then click Next.
  5. Give your SSCC User name, Password, and for the Domain type PRIMO. If you don't want to have to type your password every time you connect, check Remember this password.
  6. Click Connect.
  7. To use the connection later, click on the network icon (Network icon) in the lower right of your screen, select the connection you created, and click Connect.

Windows XP

  1. Click on Start, Settings, and Control Panel (if you don't see Settings after clicking Start then just click on Control Panel).
  2. Double-click on Network Connections.
  3. In the upper left corner of the window, you will see Create a new connection.  Double-click on it to start the New Connection Wizard.
  4. Click Next on the welcome screen.
  5. When it asks for the Network Connection Type, choose Connect to the network at my workplace and click Next.
  6. Select Virtual Private Network Connection and then click Next.
  7. Type a name for the connection for your use; something like VPN to SSCC. Click Next.
  8. For the Host Name type vpn.ssc.wisc.edu and click Next.
  9. Choose whether this connection is should be available for anyone who uses the computer or just you, and click Next.
  10. Check the box for Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop and click Finish.

Windows Vista

  1. Click on Start, Control Panel.
  2. Double click on Network and Sharing Center. If you don't see it, click on Classic View on the left side of the window and it will appear.
  3. In the upper left corner of the window you will see Setup a connection or network.  Double-click on it to start the New Connection Wizard.
  4. Choose Connect to a workplace and then click Next.
  5. Choose Use my Internet Connection (VPN) and then click Next.
  6. Type in the name of our VPN server: vpn.ssc.wisc.edu and a destination name like VPN to SSCC. Click Next.
  7. Enter your username and password.  You can choose to have Windows remember your password if you don't want to enter your password every time.

MacOS

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and choose System Preferences.
  2. Double-click Network under the Internet & Network section.
  3. Towards the bottom left, click on the + button.
  4. For the Interface choose VPN.  For the VPN Type (which will appear once you choose VPN) select PPTP.  For Service Name type in something like VPN to SSCC then click Create.
  5. After that window goes away, VPN to SSCC will show up in your list of network connections.  It now needs to be configured to use our server.  Make sure it is highlighted on the list on the left.  Then set Server Address to vpn.ssc.wisc.edu.  For Account Name, enter your SSCC username.
  6. Click the Authentication Settings button, and then enter your password and click OK.
  7. Check the box that says Show VPN status in menu bar. Click the Apply button on the bottom right of the window.  Now you can click on Connect and it will connect you to our VPN server.

Network Drives

Your VPN connection is now ready for use. However, keep in mind that activating a VPN connection does not run the login script that normally runs when you log into PRIMO. This means that your network drives are not set up for you automatically. If you'd like to map your usual network drives, please see Mapping a Drive to a Network Share in Windows or Using SSCC Network Disk Space from Macs.

Last Revised: 3/11/2011