Work and study from home / off campus

Kent VPN guide: off campus access to resources

What is the VPN? GlobalProtect is our VPN (Virtual Private Network). It provides off campus access for staff and students to selected online services and network folders.

About the VPN

What the VPN gives access to

Most Kent systems (such as email and Moodle) are on the web, available anywhere.

Use the VPN (Virtual Private Network) for off-campus access to:

  • files on the Kent network
  • your print account and web print
  • some IT systems such as Site Editor, High Performance Computing, SharePoint 2013

Who can use the VPN

Staff, students or visitors with a Kent IT Account.  

Request VPN access

You only need to request access if you've not used a Kent VPN before.
Request VPN access (new users only!)

GlobalProtect is quick and easy to install - follow the steps below. 

Install GlobalProtect on a University computer

Instructions for a staff computer:

Using a University PC on campus

  1. Search for Software Center on your PC by using the search bar in the bottom left corner of the screen
    • If you can't access Software Center you can download GlobalProtect here and then open the file to install it.
    • Enter the portal address as: vox.kent.ac.uk
    • If you need administrator account details you'll need to ask the team who provided you with the laptop. If they can't help we may be able to: email helpdesk@kent.ac.uk or telephone 01227 82 4888.
  2. Once at Software Centre find "Kent VPN - Global Protect" and install it from the software list.

How to tell that you're connected:

  • There's a small Globe icon in the system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen - you might need to click the Up arrow to see it. 
  • When connected, the globe icon is green and has a small tick on it
  • When not connected the globe is grey and has a small red cross on it

Install GlobalProtect on your own devices

Instructions for your personal computer, tablet or phone:

Windows or Mac (not University owned)

The GlobalProtect app in the Microsoft Store won't work so don't try it!

  1. Download the GlobalProtect software on your personal computer:
  2. When asked for the portal address, enter vox.kent.ac.uk

The first time it connects you may need to login and use Multi-Factor Authentication

Mac users: how to fix your connection if it gets stuck "connecting..." 

How to tell that you're connected:

  • Mac: look for the globe icon in the Apple toolbar, usually near the Wi-Fi indicator. When connected the icon will animate regularly. When not connected the icon is grey, and if you hover over it, it says Disconnected
  • Windows: There's a small Globe icon for GlobalProtect in the system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen - you might need to click the Up arrow to see it. 
    • When connected, the globe icon is green and has a small tick on it
    • When not connected the globe is grey and has a small red cross on it

Android or Apple iOS

  • Search your app store for GlobalProtect by Palo Alto Networks
  • If asked for the portal address, enter vox.kent.ac.uk

The first time it connects you may need to login and use Multi-Factor Authentication

Linux

You can download GlobalProtect for Linux here (Kent login required)

  • If asked for the portal address, enter vox.kent.ac.uk

The first time it connects you may need to login and use Multi-Factor Authentication

Logging in to services

For some services your Kent Account username may need to be prefixed with UKC\

  1. To change the stored username on a Windows PC or laptop, click More Choices >
  2. Enter your IT Account username prefixed with UKC\
  • example: UKC\abc1 - replacing abc1 with your own details.

Access to files and folders

You need to map a drive on your computer to see folders on the Kent network.

To disconnect the VPN

Click the small Globe icon for GlobalProtect in the system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen - you might need to click the Up arrow to see it. 

  • When connected, the globe icon is green and has a small tick on it
  • When not connected the globe is grey and has a small red cross on it

Please disconnect from GlobalProtect as soon as you're finished. This helps to minimise the number of people using the Kent network simultaneously.  

Remove old VPNs

Please remove Forticlient as it no longer works and has been replaced with GlobalProtect.

Windows 10

  1. In the Windows search box type ‘VPN’ and select Change virtual private networks (VPN) from the results list
  2. Select the VPN you want to delete, and click Remove.

Alternatively, search your PC for 'Add or remove programs' and select it. The Apps & Features screen opens: in the list of programs find and select Forticlient VPN and click Uninstall.

Windows 8

  1. Windows Orb, Control Panel, Network and Internet, Network and Sharing Centre
  2. In the left-hand column select Change adapter settings
  3. Select the VPN for deletion and then Delete this connection (in the top menu)

Mac

  1. Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network
  2. Select the VPN for deletion from the list of connections on the left
  3. Click the minus button at the bottom of the list

iPhone and iPad

  1. Settings > General > scroll down and tap VPN
  2. Tap the i icon besides the name of the VPN for deletion
  3. Scroll down and tap Delete VPN and when asked, tap Delete to finish.

Android

  • Settings, Network & Internet, VPN
  • Choose a cog icon next to the VPN name and click Forget VPN

If your device is different then find the VPN settings for your device and follow the process on screen. Android phones and tablets vary and we can't test them all!

VPN usage is your responsibility

  1. When on the VPN you are on the network and are responsible for all activity
  2. You must adhere to the University IT regulations when connected

Help

Find out all the ways you can get in touch:

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