VPN Services

Requirements

• Windows 7-10
• Windows Vista (clean install, not upgraded from Windows XP)
• macOS 10.12-10.14, Mac OS X 10.6 – 10.11

How to Download the VPN Software

1. Contact the Help Desk to set up your VPN account or to determine if you already have a VPN account.
2. Download the VPN software.
   If you’re on campus, download the VPN software using this link.
   If you’re off campus, download the VPN software using this link.
3. Login to the Boise State VPN service using your Boise State account. If you cannot login, your VPN account may not be set up. Contact the Help Desk for assistance.
   
4. Click the AnyConnect link.
5. Click the Start AnyConnect link.
6. The Boise State VPN software (CISCO AnyConnect) will install and connect your computer securely to the Boise State network.
7. If the automatic installation fails, click the Windows Desktop or Mac OS X 10.6+ link to download and install the VPN software manually.

How to Use the VPN Software

Once you have the VPN software (Cisco AnyConnect) installed, here’s how to work securely and connect to the Boise State network.

1. Connect to the Internet via wi-fi or cable like you always do. If you’re traveling, you’ll likely be connecting to an airport, hotel, coffee shop, etc. network.
2. Launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility software.
   Windows: Start > All Programs > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client > Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client
   Mac: Finder > Applications > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client
3. Enter either the on-campus VPN address or the off-campus VPN address, depending on your location:
   On-campus VPN address: bsuvpn-oncampus.boisestate.edu
   
   Off-campus VPN address: bsuvpn-offcampus.boisestate.edu
   
4. Sign in with your Boise State username and password.

Requirements

iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

How to Download and Install

1. Launch the App Store on your device and search the Store for the Cisco AnyConnect app.
2. Select Get to download and install the app.

How to Configure the AnyConnect App

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. The first time you run the app you may see a pop-up asking you choose your Notifications preferences.
3. Tap Connections.
4. Tap Add VPN Connection…
5. For “Description” enter a name for the connection (e.g., “Boise State VPN”).
6. For “Server Address” enter bsuvpn-offcampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from off-campus) or bsuvpn-oncampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from on-campus).
7. Tap Save.

If you need to connect from both off- and on-campus, tap Connections to configure a second connection with the appropriate VPN address.

How to Connect to the VPN

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. To connect, activate the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.
3. Enter your Boise State username and password to authenticate to the Boise State network.

When you are done with your VPN session, open the app and disconnect by deactivating the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.

Requirements

Android 4.x – 8.x.

How to Download and Install

1. Launch the Play Store app on your device and search for the “AnyConnect” app from Cisco Systems, Inc.
2. Select Install to download and install the app.

How to Configure the AnyConnect App

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. The first time you run the app you may see a couple of pop-up messages regarding IT administrator access to information about your device, and/or asking if you want AnyConnect to make and manage phone calls (there is no reason for the app to manage phone calls when connecting to the Boise State’s VPN).
3. Tap Connections.
4. Tap Add VPN Connection…
5. For “Description” enter a name for the connection (e.g., “Boise State VPN”).
6. For “Server Address” enter bsuvpn-offcampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from off-campus) or bsuvpn-oncampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from on-campus).
7. Tap Save.

If you need to connect from both off- and on-campus, tap Connections to configure a second connection with the appropriate VPN address.

How to Connect to the VPN

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. To connect, activate the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.
3. Enter your Boise State username and password to authenticate to the Boise State network.

When you are done with your VPN session, open the app and disconnect by deactivating the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.