VPN Service
About VPN
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network which encrypts network traffic from a remote computer to the Stanford VPN server, which then unencrypts it and passes it to the desired destination. General computer users in the School of Medicine can use Stanford University's Public VPN service to securely connect to Stanford resources from off-campus. You can access the VPN from a Windows, Mac or Linux system, and even from a mobile device running Android or iOS.
It is important to understand that after the network traffic passes through the VPN server, it is no longer in a safe network tunnel, and is only secured by the protocols being utilized for each connection. Be sure to continue to use appropriately secured communication methods such as HTTPS, SSH and SSL while connected through VPN.
Connecting via VPN
Most up-to-date mobile devices (including smartphones and tablets) have a built-in VPN client already, and we can help you configure it in order to connect to the Stanford University Public VPN.
For desktops and laptops, obtain the software and setup instructions from the UIT site https://uit.stanford.edu/service/vpn. Scroll down to Getting Started to select your specific operating system and further instructions.
- (Mac computers also have a built-in VPN client, but it is slightly more prone to accidental disconnects, so we recommend the Cisco client.)
Remote Desktop Connections
Remote desktop connections allow people to view and control the desktop of one computer while sitting at a computer in another location. The remote desktop connection will appear as if you are sitting at the computer to which you are remotely connected. In conjunction with the VPN client, you can access your Stanford computer’s desktop from home. For PCs, Windows provides a Remote Desktop Connection client which allows you to accomplish this. We do NOT recommend using any type of VNC connections as they are not encrypted. VNC connections may be subject to compromise.
SHC and LPCH Remote Access
If you are an SHC or LPCH employee, you may gain remote access from off campus via their respective websites.
- For SHC: Call the SHC Help Desk at 723-3333
- For LPCH: https://remote.lpch.org
If you have any problems or questions, you can reach the LPCH Help Desk at 498-7500