Off Campus Access: VPN

The VPN provides GW faculty, staff, and students with seamless, integrated access to all electronic resources. Users must have a GW NetID to use the VPN.

• GW NetIDs may be obtained from the GW Help Desk Account Center.
• Instructions for users who experience difficulty setting up their GW NetID.
• VPN FAQ

Installation

Download and install the VPN client, Cisco AnyConnect.

Connecting to the VPN

1. On your computer, start the program Cisco AnyConnect.
2. If this is your first time connecting to the VPN, enter go.vpn.gwu.edu into the box. Otherwise, make sure the GW address (go.vpn.gwu.edu) is selected. Click Connect.
3. Login to VPN with your GW NetID and password (the same login/password that you use for your GW email). You may be prompted for additional information if you have two-factor authentication set up on your account.
4. You can now access databases, e-texts, and e-journals via the the Himmelfarb Library website without any additional logins.

For additional information, go to GW Information Technology: Software.

Students: Student Technology Services at 202-994-7041 or sts@gwu.edu.

Faculty & Staff: GW Help Desk at 202-004-5530 option 2 or ithelp@gwu.edu.

What is VPN?

VPN is software which can be used for off-campus access.  For off-campus access, VPN allows your computer to function as though it is on the GW campus and therefore allows you to access most databases, e-texts, and e-journals without additional logins.

How do I download the VPN?

To download the VPN, access the GW's AnyConnect downloads website and login with your GW NetID, the username and password associated with your GW email account.

How do I login to VPN?

The first time that you login to the VPN, enter the address go.vpn.gwu.edu and then click Connect. Login to the VPN with your GW NetID, the username and password associated with your GW email account.

You will only need to enter the VPN address (go.vpn.gwu.edu) the first time that you access the VPN. On subsequent logins, AnyConnect will remember GW's VPN address.

Do I need to download and install software to use VPN?

Yes. You should access the GW's AnyConnect downloads website to download the VPN software. This site will prompt you to login in order to access the download; login with your GW NetID, the username and password associated with your GW email account.

I have a copy of an older VPN which I downloaded to my computer. Will it still work?

GW began using AnyConnect for VPN beginning in December 2014.  Prior versions of GW's VPN have ceased to function.

How can I access Himmelfarb Library's databases, e-texts, and e-journals using VPN ?

GW's VPN, AnyConnect, works by allowing your computer to function as though it is on the GW campus. Therefore, you can access Himmelfarb Library's databases, e-texts, and e-journals directly from Himmelfarb Library's website without any additional logins.

I'm using VPN but can't get into Himmelfarb Library's databases, e-texts, and e-journals or the GWU network. What should I do?

• Check that you are logged into VPN. In order for VPN to work, you need to access AnyConnect and connect each time that you use it.
• Check that VPN is connected. VPN may logoff automatically after periods of inactivity. If this occurs, you will need to login again. To check if VPN is running:
  • Look in the lower right-hand corner of your computer screen.
  • The VPN is represented by an icon that looks like the globe with a yellow padlock on top. If the padlock is in the closed position, then the VPN is running. If you mouse over the icon, it should tell you if AnyConnect is connected or disconnected.
  • To connect or disconnect the VPN, click on the icon and then click on Connect or Disconnect.

Which browsers and operating systems work with VPN?

The VPN is not browser dependent. You should be able to use any web browser available on your computer.

I'm having trouble accessing or running VPN. Who can I contact for assistance?

• First, consult these detailed instructions:
  • Instructions for Windows
  • Instructions for Mac OSX
• For additional questions or to report any problems, please contact the Division of IT at 202-994-GWIT (4948), ithelp@gwu.edu or http://it.gwu.edu. Technology assistance is available through the IT Support Center 24 hours a day. Additionally, in-person technology assistance is available at Tech Commons in the Lower Level of Gelman Library.