VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Instructions for Android

VPN service is available to current UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. After downloading and installing a "client" app, you can access journal article databases and other licensed resources as if you were using a campus computer.

NOTE: There are many different Android devices and variants of the operating system. As of June 2012, versions of the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client app (the only one supported by UC Berkeley) are available for some of these, but not all. Because Android currently does not work with proxy servers, VPN is the only way to access licensed resources on these devices.

There may be special issues if your device is behind a firewall. For more information, see this UC Berkeley IST Knowledge Base article.

Summary instructions

1. Install the free Cisco AnyConnect app (if one is available for your device)
2. Configure the app to use the UC Berkeley VPN server.
3. Run AnyConnect before using article databases, electronic journals, etc.
   Always choose the "Library VPN" option.
4. Disconnect the AnyConnect VPN when your session is finished.

Detailed instructions

NOTE: The library has not been able to test these instructions firsthand. We cannot guarantee they will work on your device, or that the user interface will be as described here. Please let us know how they work for you.

Getting the AnyConnect app

1. Go to Google Play (formerly called "Android Market").
2. Search for "anyconnect". You will see several versions of the Cisco Systems AnyConnect app.
3. Read the descriptions carefully to see whether any of them matches your device. Note that we do not support "rooted" devices.
4. If there is an app for your device, download and install it.

Configuring the app to use the UC Berkeley VPN server

1. Run the AnyConnect app, tap on Add VPN Connection, and enter these settings:
       Description:   UCB
       Server Address:   ucbvpn.berkeley.edu
       Certificate:   DISABLED
2. Tap Done to save these settings.

Using VPN

NOTE: You will need to run AnyConnect and make a VPN connection each time you want to use article databases, electronic journals, or other licensed library resources on your iPad.

1. Have your CalNet ID and passphrase ready.
2. In the app, go to the Connection window.
3. Tap the option for "UCB" (or whatever name you have set for this connection)
4. If prompted, log in as follows:
       Group:   3-Library_VPN
       Username:   Your CalNet ID
       Password:   Your CalNet passphrase
5. Once logged in, you should see a screen indicating you are connected.


6. Run your web browser and proceed with your session.

Disconnecting VPN

NOTE: While the VPN app is running and connected, all your Internet traffic is routed through the UC Berkeley campus network. To reduce the load on the network, disconnect VPN when your session is finished. This should not break your Internet connection.

1. In the AnyConnect app, tap on the name of your connection (such as "UCB") to terminate the connection.
2. VPN is now disconnected and you can resume normal Internet use.
   
   NOTE: If your connection is idle for 30 minutes, VPN may "time out" automatically.

Getting help: VPN software download and configuration problems

• Students: visit the Student Computer Consulting Service; you can make an appointment online.
• Faculty and Staff: contact the IST Service Desk (connecting@berkeley.edu; 510-642-8500; Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Getting help: Electronic resource access and availability questions

• Please contact the Library via the Library Web Comment Form.

For more information

• VPN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• UC Berkeley Campus VPN Service
• Android User Guide for Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, Release 2.5.x

FAQSearchSitemapContact webmasterUC Berkeley home

Copyright © 2012
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Last updated 07/11/12. Server manager: contact