"Just Ask"—About the NIH VPN Client

The NIH Help Desk receives many calls each day from users who are experiencing similar problems. "Just Ask" articles present frequently asked questions, along with answers and helpful tips. We hope you find this information useful. "Just Ask" replaces "Ask TASC."

Q: What is a VPN and what does it do?
A: A VPN (virtual private network) is a way to provide remote access to an organization's network via the Internet. A VPN sends data from the Internet through secure "tunnels." VPN systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the destination network and that the data cannot be intercepted. The NIH VPN client allows NIH employees, with NIH VPN accounts, to securely access the NIH network and NIH computing resources from a third-party Internet service provider (ISP).

Q: What do I need to use the NIH VPN service?
A:You will need a valid NIH VPN account and the Cisco VPN client (see below) installed on the computer that you are using to access the NIH network via the NIH VPN service.

Q: How do I get a VPN account?
A: To obtain a VPN account, contact your NIH account sponsor, who will submit a request via the CIT Web Sponsor web site. Once the account has been created, an e-mail containing your account information and a link to the Cisco VPN client software will be sent to you and your sponsor.

If you need assistance determining who your sponsor is, contact the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-4357.

Q: What do I need to do after I install the NIH Cisco VPN client?
A: The VPN client that NIH users download from the NIH iSDP web site is pre-configured. There will be two connection entries configured:

• The NIH VPN connection entry is used for NIH staff to access the NIH network and NIH computing resources from a third-party Internet service provider.


• The Wireless VPN connection entry is used when accessing the NIH wireless network in an NIH wireless compatible building. To see a map of these NIH buildings: go to the NIH "Wireless Locations for NIH Staff" web site.

Q: How does the VPN client work once I have an NIH VPN account and the Cisco VPN client is installed?
A: First, ensure that you have a working Internet connection and launch the Cisco VPN client software. Then select the NIH VPN connection entry and click the Connect icon in the top menu of the VPN client. You will then be prompted for your VPN login credentials. Enter your NIH VPN account credentials that were provided to you by your NIH account sponsor.

Q: When I log onto VPN, I receive a prompt to upgrade the VPN client. What should I do and what does this upgrade affect?
A: Before you accept this update make sure you know your VPN username and password. During the upgrade, the VPN login credentials are cleared from the VPN client. If you perform the VPN client update and do not know your VPN username and password, you will not be able to connect via VPN until your VPN password is reset by your NIH account sponsor.

If you know your login credentials you should accept this update. Once the update is complete, you will be prompted for your VPN login credentials when making a VPN connection. At that point, enter your VPN login credentials to establish a VPN session.

More Information

If you have questions, please call the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-4357.

We welcome your ideas about topics to cover in future editions of "Just Ask." Please send suggestions to helpdesk@nih.gov.