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VPN Setup

 

Preface

Many of the resources available through the FASRC cluster must be accessed through VPN (virtual private network – a sort of tunnel into the Harvard network) to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. When working outside the Harvard network, a VPN connection is generally necessary. This page describes the process for installing software and connecting to the RC VPN.

If you are just SSH’ing in to our login nodes, VPN is not required. But it is needed for many other services. Some (but not all) examples are:

Requirements

VPN Software Installation

IMPORTANT NOTE: You need to add a VPN realm, typically @fasrc, after your username in order to login to the FASRC VPN. The VPN (the client and web page) is the only place you do this. See example below.

The Cisco AnyConnect client can be installed from our VPN portal: https://vpn.rc.fas.harvard.edu
NOTE: If you already have a current Cisco AnyConnect client installed for Harvard VPN access, you do not need to install it again. Skip to ‘Logging In’

If the automatic installation fails, you should then be offered an option to download an installer.
After downloading the software, click on the executable to run the AnyConnect installation wizard.

If you are unable to install the client from this page, we recommend connecting to the VPN page for your school or the university to download the client (which is the same as we use):
FAS VPN: https://vpn.fas.harvard.edu
University VPN: https://vpn.harvard.edu

Linux users: You can install the Cisco AnyConnect client using the instructions above, or see our alternate guide to using OpenConnect for VPN.

Logging in

Start Cisco AnyConnect and enter the FASRC VPN server name: vpn.rc.fas.harvard.edu

Cisco AnyConnect prompt for server name: vpn.rc.fas.harvard.edu

Enter your credentials and click OK to connect:

  • USERNAME: When connecting to the VPN you will use your username + @ + VPN realm name. For most people, this will be @fasrc (example: jharvard@fasrc ). If you are in the NCF or another FASSE group, this will be @fasse or a realm provided to you by your PI/lab group.
  • PASSWORD: The password you will enter is your FASRC account password as noted above
  • TWO-STEP VERIFICATION CODE: You enter your OpenAuth token code here

Box showing prompts for Username, password, and two-factor code

Once connected, you will have normal Internet and Harvard network access as well as access into the FASRC environment.

 

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