What is a Virtual Private Network?
A VPN is a network built for the private use of a particular institution over the shared public infrastructure. VPNs work by establishing secure "tunnels" for the transfer of information. Because the data which passes through such tunnels is encrypted, it is protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, the VPN tunnel end-points (aka peers) authenticate with each other to prevent identity spoofing, and verify all received data to ensure that it has not been altered during transmission.
LBNL uses VPN technology to provide secure connections for remote access users. Because LBL-VPN users are assigned an IP address in the lbl.gov domain, they can access Laboratory resources as if they were on-site.
LBL-VPN is a software-based VPN service. Employees wishing to use LBL-VPN must install VPN client software on their computer(s). The software is available, free of charge, from https://software.lbl.gov.
Who can benefit from a VPN?
In general, three groups of people can benefit from LBL-VPN service:
- Home users with Internet connectivity who need to access otherwise restricted LBNL network resources
- Users on travel or on remote assignment who need access to otherwise restricted LBNL network resources
- Any LBNL remote user who wants their data to be encrypted across the Internet while communicating with LBLnet.
How can I sign up for VPN service?
No signup is needed. Download the software from LBL's Software Download Page and install it on your computer. Use your LDAP User Name and password to connect with LBL-VPN.
How much does it cost?
VPN is provided free of charge to LBNL employees.
