Setting up and using the F5 VPN

How to setup and use the F5 Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection to access internal network computers & resources while offsite.

Remote access to the network computers and other resources is available by connecting your device to the F5 VPN. Go to https://sra.genesee.edu and log in if necessary. 

Installation steps

If the VPN is not installed yet, it will fail to launch when you click on Network Access. For computers on the GCC domain, you may not be able to install it yourself and will need assistance from user services. You should request the program be installed for you. Otherwise, follow the onscreen directions to complete the installation. Using the remote desktop option to connect to a specific machine does not require installation.

Full VPN Connection steps

1. Go to sra.genesee.edu if not there already, and log in if needed.
2. For the full featured VPN click network access.
3. Click start to open the program, and look for any prompts from your web browser. Be sure to allow it to open the link if it asks.
4. Check for the red circle with the shield in your taskbar tray.

Remote Desktop to Host

1.  Go to sra.genesee.edu if not there already, and log in if needed.
2. For remote desktop to a specific host, click remote desktop. Type in the fully-qualified domain name of your computer which you wish to connect to. For example, if your computer is named GCCS-13003, you would key in "gccs-13003.genesee.edu".
3. Download the file and double-click to open it with remote desktop.
4. Follow any prompts and configure any settings as needed for your connection

Do note that this file is only usable for a short time. The next time you connect, you will need to go back to the site and repeat the steps to get a new file.

Additionally, remote desktop is not allowed to your computer by default. You will need to submit a request to user services to have it enabled.

Disconnection steps

For the full VPN program, look in your taskbar tray for the icon. Right click and click quit. Click OK in the dialog box to confirm the disconnection.

For remote desktop only connections, just log off or disconnect from your remote desktop session like normal.

Sometimes you may encounter the F5 VPN program wanting to install an update when you launch it. Please proceed to install the update if prompted. Similar to the installation process, you may need to request that user services do this for you.

Cell phones are not allowed to use the VPN. You will need to use a computer to connect.

 

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.