From January 31 until June 1, 2002, the Center for Academic Computing (CAC) will offer a trial use of the Penn State Anywhere, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, to determine how VPN can best serve the members of the Penn State community.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure encrypted network connection. For example, you may want to use a VPN to connect from your third-party Internet Service Provider (ISP) cable modem to Penn State services and resources. All Internet traffic exchanged between your cable modem and Penn State is encrypted via the VPN. A VPN uses encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users access the network and that data is secure.
Please note that there is no cost to participate in the trial; however, a fee may be charged once this service is offered to all Penn State users by fall 2002. The trial is for those who connect to Penn State services and resources via a third-party ISP dial-up, cable modem, or DSL connection and does not apply to the wireless deployment of VPN. To qualify for the trial, you must have an active Penn State Access Account and you must fill out the form via the "Apply for Trial Use" section of the Penn State Anywhere/VPN Web site at http://cac.psu.edu/vpn/. Inquiries can be directed to root@cac.psu.edu.
The CAC greatly appreciates your assistance and looks forward to your participation.