Configuring VPN Clients (2024)

Title: Configuring VPN Clients for UofR Secure Connection
Applies to: VPN users
Section: Network
Owner: Network Analyst, Network & Communication Services
Last updated: December 22, 2022

Introduction
A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection to the UofR network which allows your computer to appear as though it is "on campus" even though it is not. This allows services that are not available from off-campus due to firewall security rules, to be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Only traffic destined to the UofR will flow through the VPN connection - regular internet browsing will not. This note describes the configuration of VPN Clients so that you can securely tunnel to the University of Regina campus from off-campus.

Known Issues
Version 7.0+: Windows FortiClient may fail to auto-connect after system sleep/hibernation on Windows 10/11.

VPN Tunnel Mode
For support for all protocol/service types(for example web sites on non-standard ports) installation of a VPN client is required. Instructions are provided below for Windows, MacOS, IOS, and Android systems

Click "Configure VPN"
At the top choose "SSL-VPN"
Connection Name: UofR SSL-VPN
Description: UofR SSL-VPN
Server Remote Gateway https://vpn.uregina.ca
Authentication: Prompt on the login
Client certificate: Set to 'None'
Do not Warn Invalid Server Certificate: <leave it unchecked>
Click "Save" to save changes

Enter your username and password then click "Connect"

Once configured a menu appears in the menu bar that allows you to easily connect/disconnect:

Now you are securely connected to the U of R network, and your computer will behave as though it is "on campus". This connection will allow you to securely access applications that are restricted to on-campus use like FAST and URDocs.
When you are done using the VPNto connect to the UofR, you can switch to the FortiClient program and click "Disconnect".

Please note, if your macOS version is older than 10.8 (Mountain Lion), you will not be able to run the FortiClient installer. Please upgrade your macOS version to use FortiClient VPN.

Note: Please uninstall any previous version of Forticlient.
Installation
Log in to your macOS system - this is necessary for the initial installation of the Fortinet SSL Client.
Openan internet browser and type inhttps://www.fortinet.com/support/product-downloads in the address bar.
This will take you to the FortiClient Download webpage https://www.fortinet.com/support/product-downloads
Click "FortiClient"tab as seen in the below screen grab.

Click the box "Download for MacOS" under "FortiClient VPN".
In your Downloads folder, double-click FortiClientOnlineInstaller.dmg
In theopen window double-click, FortiClientUpdate.app and the download of the client will start. Click install once the download has completed.
Please enter administartor credentials as asked by the system.

In the Welcome window, clickcontinue.
In theLicense window, click Continue, then Agree
In the Installation Type window click theInstalland enter your Mac administrator password and click Install Software

In the summary, windows click Close.
Configuration
Startup the FortiClient.app found in yourApplications folder.

Click on "Configure VPN".

Enter the following in the FortiClient SSL VPN window:

Connection Name/Description/Remote Gateway: vpn.uregina.ca
User name: <your uregina.ca username>
Password: <leave blank to be prompted or enter thepassword to save it>

Click Save.
Enter your uregina.ca username/password and click Connect to start the VPN connection.

macOS 10.15 Catalina & macOS 11 Big Sur:Forticlient will not connect if the System Extension is blocked. To allow the System Extention:
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General tab and click the Allow button beside System software from developer "Fortinet, Inc" was blocked from loading. You must have administrator credentials for the macOS machine to configure this change.

On macOS Monterey (macOS 12): You will receive a pop-up that "FortiTray would like to add VPN Configurations, click Allow on this message.

Once successfully connected aDisconnectbutton will appear on the window. You can minimizethe window to the dock or close it.

Once configured a menu appears in the menu bar that allows you to easily connect/disconnect:

Now you are securely connected to the U of R network, and your computer will behave as though it is “on campus”. This connection will allow you to securely access applications that are restricted to on-campus use like FAST and URDocs.
To disconnect click the VPN applications icon in the dock and select disconnect