UI Anywhere - Cisco AnyConnect Client

AnyConnect is a client that is installed on your computer (see requirements below). The AnyConnect client can be an advantage over the Web VPN for users that want the added protection of using the VPN, but don't need to use an Internet browser each time they access an on-campus resource. For example after connecting with the AnyConnect client, you can access mapped network drives or open Microsoft Outlook and use it as though you were on campus, without opening up an internet browser.

If you have already installed the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client, click here for instructions on how to connect.

How to Install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client:

Note: You must have administrator rights on the computer to install the AnyConnect client on your computer.

  1. Log in to http://vpn.uiowa.edu using your HawkID and password.

  2. Click the AnyConnect-Client link the the menu bar.

    AnyConnect

  3. Windows Vista and Windows 7 Internet Explorer users:: Add University of Iowa web sites to the trusted sites section in the browser. (See instructions below.)

  4. Click the Start AnyConnect link.

    Start AnyConnect

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions for the installation.

    Note: If a pop-up window directs you to a web site to download Sun Microsystems Java Runtime Environment, you do not have the required version of the Java Runtime Environment installed on your system. Download Sun Java version 1.4 or later.

  6. When the installation is complete, the AnyConnect icon appears on the bottom toolbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac).

    Toolbar Mac Menu Bar

Always log out!
Remember to log out when you finish your remote access VPN session. If you do not log out, someone could use your account to gain unauthorized access to the network!

How to Connect to UI Anywhere using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client:

  1. Launch the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client.

  2. Enter your HawkID and password and click the Connect button.

    Note: The Group drop-down list allows you to select a profile for the VPN.  The Default profile uses private IP addressing and should be sufficient for most users.  Some colleges or departments have defined VPN settings that are specific to their group.  Only members of that group will have access to the VPN using that profile.  If you have trouble accessing an application through the VPN, contact the ITS Help Desk for troubleshooting.

    Client Launch

  3. When the installation is complete, the AnyConnect icon appears on the bottom toolbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac).

    Toolbar Mac Menu Bar

Always log out!
Remember to log out when you finish your remote access VPN session. If you do not log out, someone could use your account to gain unauthorized access to the network!

Trusted Web Sites

Adding University of Iowa web sites to the list of trusted sites is required for Internet Explorer 7.0 or greater on Windows Vista and Windows 7. We also recommend the procedure for others to eliminate certain security pop-up messages when you connect.

Internet Explorer has "Protected Mode" enabled by default. Adding UI web sites to the trusted sites allows communications with the security appliance, even though "Protected Mode" is enabled.

To add UI web sites to the list of trusted sites:

  1. Open Internet Explorer and choose Tools > Internet Options.

  2. Click the Security tab.

  3. Click the Trusted Sites icon, then click the Sites button below.

  4. Type the web address (URL) or use a wildcard such as https://*.uiowa.edu.

  5. Click Add.

  6. Click OK.

  7. Click OK on the Security tab.

AnyConnect VPN Client Requirements

To access remote services over an AnyConnect client session, your system must have the following setup:

  • The operating system must be Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 SP4, Linux (RedHat Linux 9, RedHat Enterprise Linux 3, SUSE Linux 10, Slackware 11.0, or Fedora 4 or 6), or  Mac OS 10.x or greater.

  • The client applications must be installed locally on your system.

  • The UI Anywhere VPN site should be in the list of trusted sites, as described above. (Required for Windows Vista and Windows 7, highly recommended for all.)

GINA enabled AnyConnect users can contact the IT Security Office at security@uiowa.edu to obtain the necessary information.

Contact the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-HELP (4357) or its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu if you have further questions.

 

Return to the UI Anywhere Support Site.