Network Access
Access to UMDNet via other ISPs (cable modem, DSL)
Most network services available to users on campus are also available to users from off campus, via either the UMD modem pool or a local ISP (modem, cable modem or DSL). Several tools are available to provide more secure off-site connections, including virtual private network (VPN) services, SSH terminal access and secure email services over the web.
If you use a local ISP (modem, cable modem or DSL) to connect to the network, you do not have direct access to the UMD network. However, you can access most of the UMD services from these connections by making minor configuration changes to the software you are using. For security purposes, you should consider using such tools as IMP WebMail (for secure email).
Using VPN for secure access
As an alternative, you can install the Virtual Private Network (VPN) client on your computer. VPN service makes a remotely connected computer appear as though it is directly attached to the UMD network. With VPN, you can access restricted resources at the University, such as journals or periodicals from the library web site. VPN also provides a secure connection to the UMD central systems and limited (data file only) access to the Novell server.
Services available from off-campus
Following is information on the services available if you connect from an ISP, both with and without the VPN client installed on your computer.
| UMDNet service | Access via ISP without VPN | Access via ISP with VPN See Virtual Private Network |
|---|---|---|
| You can use UMD WebMail to send and receive email from any location. | Unrestricted and secure using UMD Webmail. | |
| Web access | You can access most sites on the web without making any changes. However, to access web sites restricted to University users you will need to configure a proxy server for your web browser.
See How to Connect to Library Resources Using the Authenticated Proxy Server for details. |
Unrestricted, including access to web sites restricted to UMD users. |
| Telnet (QVT/Term) access | You can not access the central systems (bulldog, ub). | Unrestricted and secure access to the UMD central systems (bulldog, ub). |
| Novell | No Novell server access (files or software). | Access to your personal data files; limited access to the server software.
See Novell Access from Off-campus for details. |
| Samba | No Samba server access. | Unrestricted and secure access to your personal files. |
| PeopleSoft | No access | No access |
| Appleshare | No access | No access |