A virtual private network (VPN) establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and the internet, providing a private tunnel for your data and communications. The IUP VPN provides users with secure access to the university's network and allows IUP users the ability to access university resources while physically not on the IUP campuses.

Note: A VPN connection is needed when you are off-campus. You cannot connect to the IUP VPN when on campus. Attempts to connect to the IUP VPN when you are on campus will produce an error when you try to connect.

When connected to the IUP VPN, users can access to the following IUP services (this list is not inclusive):

Connecting to VPN using an IUP-owned computer

If you are using an IUP standard desktop or laptop from off-campus, IT Services offers special settings for connecting to the IUP VPN. Users have two VPN connections available on these systems when connecting from an off-campus, non-IUP network. This allows users to invoke a VPN connection when logging on to the system, rather than logging on to the system and making the VPN connection manually. The benefits of using this option for VPN connections:

  • Allows the user the ability to log on to an IUP IT standard system from an off-campus network the first time the system is used off-campus. Users do not need to log on to the computer connected to the IUP network before taking the computer off campus.
  • Allows a user’s mapped network drives to be available at sign-in, just like on campus.

Please access the PDF instructions on how these connections are established and accessed.

Setup and Connecting to VPN for Personally owned computers

Setup and connection instructions for various computers and operating systems. These instructions are not for IUP-owned computers that have the IT Standard Setup. If you have any questions, please log a ticket via ihelp.

Some common errors:

  • Invalid username/password: VPN is unable to authenticate with the credentials provided. Be sure that you are entering your username and password correctly. Username must be entered in "IUPMSD\username" format. Please replace username with your IUP computing account username.
  • Error 800: This error occurs when attempting to connect to the VPN with the incorrect protocol. Ensure that this is the VPN type set in the VPN configuration.
  • Error 812: This error is given when a router is not configured to allow VPN connections. For home networks, check with your Internet Service Provider. If you receive this error message when attempting to connect to the IUP VPN from work, check with your employer.

Windows Setup Instructions

VPN Setup for Windows 10 and 11

  1. Start by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.
  2. In settings, select Network and Internet.
  3. Once in Network and Internet, select VPN.
  4. Click Add a VPN Connection or Add VPN (Windows 11).
  5. Once on the add screen, fill in the fields as follows:
    1. VPN Provider: Windows (built-in)
    2. Connection name: IUP VPN
    3. Server name or address: vpn.iup.edu
    4. VPN Type: Automatic
    5. Type of sign-in info: User name and password
    6. User name (optional): IUPMSD\username (replace username with your IUP username)
    7. Password (optional): Enter your network/MyIUP password
    8. Remember my sign-in info check box: If you click this box on, you will not have to enter your password when you connect to the VPN. If you leave this box unchecked, you will need to enter your username and password when you connect to the VPN.
  6. After completing this screen, click Save.
  7. Once added, you will see a new network connection in the Network and Internet screen.
  8. Close this screen and return to your desktop.
  9. From the desktop, hold down the Windows key and press X. From the menu that appears, select Network Connections. You can also press W key to get to the Network Connections.
  10. On the Network Connections screen, click on Change Adapter Options.
    • If you are using Windows 11, you will need to click on Advanced network settings first, and then More network adapter options.
  11. In this screen you will see the VPN connection you just created and right-click on this icon.
  12. Right-click on the IUP VPN connection and select Properties to bring up the Network Properties window.
  13. Click on the Security tab.
  14. Click on the Radio Button that says Allow these protocols and check the box for Microsoft CHAP Version 2 (MS-CHAP v2).
  15. Now, click on the Networking tab.
  16. Single-click to highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPV4).
  17. Click on the Properties button.
  18. Click on Advanced.
  19. Un-check the checkbox to use default gateway on remote network.
  20. Click OK to close the Advanced TCP/IP Setting dialog box.
  21. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPV4) properties dialog box.
  22. Click OK and then close the Network Properties screen.

You are now ready to connect to the VPN connection you just created.

  1. To connect to the VPN, click on the WiFi or Ethernet icon in the bottom right corner of the screen—to the left of the date and time. 
    • If you are using Windows 11, you will need to click on the VPN button before proceeding. 
  2. Click on the option titled IUP VPN (or whatever name you assigned the VPN) and click Connect.

VPN Settings for Library Database (Windows)

If you are experiencing problems reaching a library database using the VPN, you may need to change the default gateway settings on your VPN. Follow these steps to change the default gateway settings:

  1. Click the start button and type "ncpa.cpl" in the search bar. This will take you to the network connections window.
  2. Right click on the IUP VPN connection and select properties.
  3. Select the networking tab.
  4. Click once on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to Select it
  5. Select properties.
  6. Click the Advanced button.
  7. Check the Use default gateway on remote network option
  8. Click OK three times.
  9. Re-connect to the VPN connection and you should be able to access the desired resources

Suggestion: If you will use the same library database frequently, it is recommended that you up a second VPN connection (name it "Library VPN") with the appropriate settings, rather than changing the setting each time you need to use it.

macOS and iOS Setup Instructions

VPN Setup for macOS (version 10.10 and earlier)

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences .
  2. Choose Network .
  3. Click the Add button (+) .
  4. Enter the following in the interface dialog box:
    • Interface = VPN
    • VPN Type = IKEv2
    • Service Name = IUP VPN
  5. Click Create .
  6. Click on the drop down menu for Configuration and select Add Configuration .
  7. For the name, enter VPN Server and click Create.
  8. Enter the following to configure the VPN connection:
    • Server Address = vpn.iup.edu
    • Account Name = iupmsd\username (replacing username with your IUP username).
    • Encryption = Automatic (128 bit ot 40 bit)
    • Select Show VPN status in menu bar.
  9. Click Authentication Settings and enter your network password.
  10. Click OK , then click Apply .
  11. Click Connect and your Mac should now be connected to the IUP VPN.

VPN Setup for macOS (version 10.11 and higher)

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences .
  2. Choose Network .
  3. Click the Add button (+) .
  4. Enter the following in the interface dialog box:
    • Interface = VPN
    • VPN Type = IKEv2
    • Service Name = IUP VPN
  5. Click Create .
  6. Enter the following to configure the VPN connection:
    • Server Address = vpn.iup.edu
    • Remote ID = vpn.iup.edu
    • Local ID = Leave blank
  7. Click Authentication Settings
    • Username = IUPMSD\USERNAME (replacing USERNAME with your IUP username)
    • Password =(yourIUP Network password)

Click OK , then click Apply

Click Connect and your Mac should now be connected to the IUP VPN.

VPN Profile for macOS (Ventura and higher)

If you are running macOS Ventura or higher, you will need to install a special profile in order to connect to the VPN. 

To request that a profile be created for you, please log an ihelp ticket. 

VPN Settings for Library Database (macOS)

If you are experiencing problems reaching a library database using the VPN, you may need to change the default gateway settings on your VPN. Follow these steps to change the default gateway settings:

  1. Open the Network Preferences.
  2. Click on your VPN connection, then select the Advanced... button.
  3. Click the "Send all traffic over the VPN connection".
  4. Click OK, then close the Network Preferences
  5. Re-connect to the VPN connection and you should be able to access the desired resources

Suggestion: If you will use the same library database frequently, it is recommended that you up a second VPN connection (name it "Library VPN") with the appropriate settings, rather than changing the setting each time you need to use it.

VPN Setup for iPad (iOS 10 and higher)

  1. Select Settings - General - VPN - Add VPN Configuration...
  2. Enter the following in the interface dialog box:
    • Type = IKEv2
    • Description = IUP VPN
    • Server = vpn.iup.edu
    • Remote ID = vpn.iup.edu
    • Local ID = Leave blank
  3. Authentication:
    • User Authentication = Leave this default (Username )
    • Username = IUPMSD\USERNAME
    • Password = Your IUP network password
  4. Click Done .

Note: iOS 9 or earlier will not work with IKEv2 ; please use Type PPTP

VPN Setup for iPhone (iOS 10 and higher)

  1. Select Settings - General - VPN - Add VPN Configuration...
  2. Enter the following in the interface dialog box:
    • Type = IKEv2
    • Description = IUP VPN
    • Server = vpn.iup.edu
    • Remote ID = vpn.iup.edu
    • Local ID = Leave blank
  3. Authentication:
    • User Authentication = Leave this default (Username )
    • Username = IUPMSD\USERNAME
    • Password = Your IUP network password
  4. Click Done .

Note: iOS 9 or earlier will not work with IKEv2 ; please use Type PPTP

Chrome OS / Android Setup Instructions

VPN Setup for Chromebooks

To set up the VPN connection, please follow these steps. Once the setup is complete, you will be able to connect to the VPN when needed.

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Google Play Store.
  4. Select Manage Android Preferences.
  5. Click on Network & Internet.
  6. Click on VPN.
  7. In the upper-right corner, click the + symbol.
  8. Enter IUP VPN for the Name field
  9. Scroll down and select PPTP VPN. (it may already be selected as it is the only option)
  10. Enter the following information:
    • Server address is vpn.iup.edu
    • Leave PPP Encryption (MPPE) checked
    • In the username field, enter your IUP username as username@iupmsd.iup.edu
    • Enter your MyIUP password
  11. Select Save.
  12. Click on IUP VPN then Connect. 
  13. To disconnect, click on IUP VPN again, then Disconnect

To connect to the VPN in the future, you will need to follow the instructions above, skipping steps 7-11.

VPN Setup for Android devices

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Under the "Wireless & networks" section, select More.
  3. Select VPN.
  4. On the top-right corner you will find a + sign. Tap it.
    • Description = IUP VPN
    • Server = vpn.iup.edu
    • Remote ID = vpn.iup.edu
    • Local ID = Leave blank
    • User Authentication = Username option
    • Username = IUPMSD\Username
    • Password = Your IUP network password
  5. Hit Save.
  6. You can connect by going back to the VPN settings and selecting your VPN of choice. You will be asked to enter a username and password.
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