VPN Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
VPN, also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of remotely accessing USC computer resources. The VPN encrypts all traffic to and from a computer in order to prevent others from viewing the information. VPN also provides the user with a virtual USC IP address that allows access to restricted USC resources.

When will I need to use the VPN client?
If you want to use wireless to connect to the USC Network or if you want to connect to USC restricted resources from your own ISP, you will need to use the VPN client.

Can I use it with any ISP?
You should be able to use the VPN Client over any ISP that allows IP tunneling and whose web browsers do not require a proxy. To confirm, please contact your ISP.

How can I pass through a firewall with the VPN client?
Please visit the following webpage for more information: Cisco Firewall web page.

What are the VPN Group Authentication Profiles for USC networks?

• Wireless - Use this profile while on the USC Wireless network for an extra layer of security. All traffic is tunneled except for traffic between computers on your wireless network.
• Home - Use this profile to make a secure connection from your home network to the USC network. All traffic is tunneled except for traffic between computers on your home network.
• OffCampusOther - Use this profile when you are at a hotel, airport, conference or other off-campus location to make a secure connection to the USC network. All traffic is tunneled except for traffic between computers on your hotel/airport/conference/other network.
• UniversityHospitals - Use this profile to make a secure connection to the USC network from Keck Hospital of USC and Norris Cancer Hospital. This profile tunnels all traffic except for 63.247.0.0/21, 172.17.11.0/24, 10.129.40.0/21, 10.129.48.0/24, 63.247.9.0/24, 63.247.12.0/22, 63.247.16.0/20, 172.22.4.0/24, and 172.22.2.0/24.
• DohenyEyeInstitute- Use this profile to make a secure connection to the USC network from the Doheny Eye Institue. This profile tunnels all traffic except for 12.42.166.0/24 and 12.42.167.0/24.
• LAC-USC - Use this profile to make a secure connection to the USC network from the Los Angeles County and USC Hospital. This profile tunnels all traffic except for 163.40.0.0/16.
• KUSC - Use this profile to make a secure connection to the USC network from the offices of KUSC 91.5 FM. This profile tunnels all traffic except for 65.106.101.0/25 and 10.10.10.0/24.
• USCTrafficOnly - Use this profile to secure data that is going only to the USC network. This profile tunnels traffic that is only destined for 128.125.0.0/16, 68.181.0.0/16 and 50.59.168.0/22