Virtual Private Network (VPN)

When you're away from campus, but need to share or access Princeton information, use Princeton's GlobalProtect virtual private network (VPN). Using a VPN protects both you and the University's servers and network. GlobalProtect VPN is a virtual connection that routes all Internet activity from your computer through Princeton's servers, no matter where you are in the world. 

Note:  OIT will continue to support the legacy SonicWall Secure Remote Access (SRA) VPN. However, OIT is not encouraging new installations of SRA.

When to GlobalProtect VPN

When sharing or accessing University information from off-campus—especially when on wifi in a public place, or when sharing Restricted or Confidential information—use Princeton's Global Protect VPN. GlobalProtect VPN provides anytime access to the University network. It also leverages existing network security tools, including the firewall. This helps safeguard information through:

  • Secure delivery: Personal and Princeton information is safely delivered in accordance with firewall rules
  • Restricted access: Unwanted traffic is kept off of Princeton's servers
  • Access to Princeton-specific services: Use the services you need without compromising the network

How to Use It

The easiest way to access protected applications is through the GlobalProtect Portal on the web. For this, all you need is a web browser.  Some Princeton applications available through this portal are: 

  • Prime Portal (PeopleSoft Financials)
  • Information Warehouse (Cognos)
  • OnBase
  • Stripes

To access any of these applications:

  1. Visit the GlobalProtect web portal
  2. Enter your Princeton NetID, your password, and click Log in
  3. The system will send a Duo request to your default device. Approve the Duo request. 
  4. The GlobalProtect portal page displays with 'tiles' for the set of protected applications accessible through the portal. Click the tile for the application you want to access.
  5.  GlobalProtect makes a secure connection to the application and opens the application.

Important! Not all protected services are available through the web portal. If you know the application you are trying to reach remotely is a restricted service, and yet it is not listed in the portal, you will need to install GlobalProtect software on your device to access it remotely (described in the next section).

Accessing protected applications using software installed on your device

You will need to install GlobalProtect software to access a subset of Princeton’s protected resources, including:

  • Central File Server / H: Drive / M: Drive
  • RDP (remote desktop protocol) to desktop workstations
  • SSH (Secure Shell) connections to Linux systems

Visit the Princeton Service Portal for instructions on installing and using the GlobalProtect software to access protected resources: