VPN FAQs

What is the VPN Service?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection essentially creates a secure connection between two locations. For Stonehill faculty and staff, that connection is between someplace (home, internet cafe, hotel, etc), and Stonehill College. When you are connected to Stonehill College via VPN, you are able to access our network resources over a secure, encrypted connection.

Who can use the VPN Service?

The Stonehill VPN Service is available to all Stonehill College faculty and staff.

When is the VPN service available?

The Stonehill VPN Service is available 24/7.

Where can I use the Stonehill VPN Service?

In general, you can use the Stonehill VPN Service to securely connect to the Stonehill Network wherever there is an connection to the internet. However, some locations (public libraries, corporate networks, etc) may block the network ports necessary to use the VPN Service.

Why would I want to use the Stonehill VPN Service?

Since the Stonehill VPN Service provides a secure, encrypted connection to the Stonehill network, you can feel safe when working with network resources from off-campus. While connected to our network via VPN, you are able to access Stonehill resources that are restricted to Stonehill IP addresses.

For example, you can map to your departmental fileshare, or remotely control your Stonehill desktop in your office.

In addition, some Stonehill applications such as Banner and Cognos require that you be connected to VPN in order to function from off-campus.

And since the VPN connection is secure, you can work with files that include legally protected data such as Social Security numbers, Credit/debit/Procurement card numbers, bank account numbers, other governmental ID numbers such as drivers licenses

Is there anything else I should know about the Stonehill VPN Service?

One important thing to note is that if your connection is idle for more than 60 mintues, you will be logged out of your VPN session and will need to re-connect. This means that if you establish a VPN connection, then go out for lunch for an hour, when you return your VPN connection will have automatically closed.

If you have any questions about the Stonehill VPN Service, please contact the IT Help Desk.