Off campus access with VPN

If you are a registered user of the University IT facilities, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection will allow you to access the University network from home or any other location with an internet connection. This will not work from within the University of Exeter network on campus.

When working remotely, please ensure you only use the VPN when necessary to ensure other users can continue working effectively.

You can still do the following without using the VPN:

• Access Office 365 including OneDrive for Business and Sharepoint - Use typical office software applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Access some University services remotely (eg web pages behind a login)
• Communicate with colleagues using Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Access Windows Virtual Desktop

From August 10th ITrent can only be accessed via the VPN: ITrent Changes V1.1

VPN (VIA) software quick setup guides

Android devices Aruba VIA Android Setup Guide

Apple phones and Ipads Aruba VIA IOS Setup Guide

Apple Mac devices Aruba VIA MacOS Setup Guide

Windows 10 Aruba VIA Windows 10 Setup Guide

Windows 11 Aruba VIA Windows 11 Setup Guide

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Accessing the VPN service: Aruba Virtual Intranet Access (VIA) software ‌

Multi-factor authentication

Exeter IT are in the process of rolling out MFA as a requirement to connect to the VPN. 

To use the University of Exeter VPN with MFA enabled you will need to complete these actions:

1. Go to your Security information page for your account
2. Ensure you have added one of these options as your multi-factor authenticator using the Add Method:
   
   • A phone number (enabling two-factor authentication when asked), or
   • The Microsoft Authenticator app
3. Then set either Microsoft Authenticator - Notification or Phone - call as your Default sign-in method
4. For more information and guidance visit the Digital Hub.

Company Portal - for University machines

If you have a laptop provided by the University of Exeter, the Virtual Internet Access app (also entitled Aruba VIA VPN Client) may be installed already. Please look for the orange and white icon, below, on your desktop, and double click to use. 

If the Virtual Internet Access app is not installed on your machine, the Aruba VIA VPN software is available in Company Portal. Follow the instructions below to install, or download our VPN Company Portal‌.

1. Type in 'Company Portal' in the Windows search bar at the bottom left of your screen.
2. From Company Portal search for and then click on the Virtual Internet Access app. When searching please note this is also known as Aruba VIA VPN Client.
3. Click on 'Install'.
4. Once the software has installed, a window will pop up asking you to Click to Connect.
5. When you are prompted to download the VPN Profile enter 'remote.exeter.ac.uk' in the URL text box and click Download.
6. Enter your University username and password when prompted to do so and proceed.
7. Using multi-factor authentication: check your phone for a Microsoft Authenticator app notification or phone call. If you have set the phone call method, it may be necessary to press the # key to authenticate as soon as you pick up the call. Please see the Digital Hub for more guidance on MFA for the VPN.

Note: for Windows users, the software is called Virtual Intranet Access (once installed). For MacOS users it is called Aruba VIA.

If you are unable to access Company Portal or have a Mac, please use the download links below.

Windows devices

Please identify the operating system and the System Type (32 or 64 bit) that you have.

• To find your System Type: on Windows 10, type 'System Information' in the search bar in the bottom left hand corner then look for the System Type on the window that opens up.
• If you have Windows 7, then click Start, type 'System' in the search box, and then select 'System' in the Control Panel list. From here you can see whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Window 7 under System.
• Now download the relevant instructions in the table below and follow them.

Apple devices

• Please use the App Store link below.
• You will need to use your Apple ID to download VIA from the App Store.

Installing Aruba VIA VPN: instructional video

FXPlus Staff

University of Exeter staff based in Penryn should use the Aruba VIA VPN as outlined above.

FXPlus users have a separate VPN service, accessed through this link.

Please note that once you are logged in when accessing File and then My Docs, you will be asked to re-enter your username and password. If you are a student then you need to prefix your username with student\

When you connect to the University network via VPN, you are subject to the same regulations and conditions of use as when using the network on campus.

The VPN system will periodically require the installation of security updates or software upgrades, which may require users to update the VPN client software on their devices.