PSFC VPN Remote Access

A virtual private network (VPN) is a communications network tunneled through another network. The PSFC VPN provides secure communications to the PSFC network from the public Internet. By using the PSFC VPN you should have the same acess and privileges to PSFC computer facilities that you would have from within the PSFC.

In order to use the PSFC VPN you must have a PSFC computer account. VPN access is available either through a browser-based SSL extender or a standalone installed VPN client.

NOTE: Before using the PSFC VPN please be sure that you have taken the time to
ensure that Anti-Virus software and OS patches on your computer are up to date.

Browser-Based SSL Extender

1. Open a browser (VPN access will work with Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox in Windows, Linux or Mac.) Please note that if you are using Windows 8 and Internet Explorer, the SSL Extender will only work in Desktop Mode.

2. Point to https://remote.psfc.mit.edu/ (https://198.124.216.150)

3. You will probably be prompted to allow POPUPs from this site. (Set to
Allow Always)

 

4. If you were prompted to allow POPUP's then reload the address above after allowing POPUPs.

5. You will then be prompted with user name and password. Use your
PSFC credentials.

6. Next you will be prompted to allow and install the VPN client
controls.

7. Once the client is installed the Authentication box will display
your VPN address which will be in the 172.17.x.x network

Some of the steps above may have to be performed twice depending on your
browser settings and browser type.

You should now be on the PSFC network "Virtually" and be able to access
anything you normally could access while on a computer in the PSFC network.

Ongoing Use

The next time you connect there should be no more requests for installs or pop-ups, until there is a client upgrade.

Troubleshooting

1. If you could not connect please try again as the install can sometimes take two passes.

2. If you can not install the client or it does not work properly an alternative is to download and install the standalone VPN client.

Standalone Installed VPN Client

Windows

Windows XP, Vista & 7- Installation instructions - Click here

Windows XP, Vista, 7 & 8- PSFC VPN standalone client software - Click here

Macintosh

OS X - 10.4 - Installation instructions - Click here

OS X - 10.4 - PSFC VPN standalone client software - Click here

OS X - 10.5 - Installation instructions - Click here

OS X - 10.5 - PSFC VPN standalone client software - Click here

OS X - 10.6, 10.7 & 10.8- Installation instructions - Click here

OS X - 10.6, 10.7 & 10.8- PSFC VPN standalone client software - Click here

3. Make sure you have an up-to-date PSFC computer account.

 

4. If you still have a problem please email Brandon Savage (bsavage@psfc.mit.edu) or Lee Berkowitz (lberkowitz@psfc.mit.edu) and provide:

a. The time you attempted to connect.

b. What browser you were using.

c. What Operating system you were using

d. Version of the Operating System and browser, if you know them.