Virtual Private Network – VPN

Most of the university’s IT services are only available to university members. For this reason, some services can only be accessed within the university network.

Within the university network, i.e., on a device (PC, laptop, ...) that is connected to the university network (i.e. the LAN):

  • You do not need a VPN.

On a device that is not connected to the university network (i.e., connected via Wi-Fi or off campus):

  • You will need a VPN connection for some IT services.
  • A Virtual Private Network – VPN for short – connects your external computer to the university network and encrypts the data.

In the FAQs below, you can find an overview of the services that are only accessible from the university network.

One more urgent request...

  • Please only use VPN if it is absolutely necessary
  • and turn it off again when you no longer need it.

Establishing the VPN connection to the university network

To establish a VPN connection to the university network, you have to carry out a one-off installation of a VPN client on your PC/mobile device.

For those in a hurry

Step-by-step instructions for installing the VPN client

English version of the manual

Any questions?

If you encounter any problems with the installation, IT Service Desk support staff will be happy to help you.

FAQs and installation instructions

Which IT services do I need a VPN for?

On a device that is connected to the university network (i.e. the LAN):

  • You do not need a VPN.

On a device that is not connected to the university network (i.e., connected via Wi-Fi or off campus):

  • You will need a VPN connection for some IT services.

You need a VPN for...

  • Self-service portal
  • The intranet (intern.ohmportal.de) including the QM Portal
  • Home directories and public directories
  • Content services in my.ohm
  • Accessing the Atoss flexitime system (arbeitszeit.ohmportal.de)
  • Working on websites using Typo3 (Editing intranet pages and internet pages)
  • HISinOne: Accessing studium.ohmportal.de

You do not need a VPN for...

  • The university’s public website (www.th-nuernberg.de)
  • Moodle
  • VirtuOhm and StudyOhm
  • Groupware via my.OHMportal
    • Email and calendar - Access via Zimbra webmail or client software installed on your PC/laptop/smartphone
    • Team Collaboration
  • Shibboleth services such as Studisoft and FAUbox
  • MS Teams
  • Zoom
  • DFNconf

Please note: The systems listed here represent only a selection of the IT infrastructure available.

How do I update my password in the VPN?

  • on the three horizontal bars at the top right
  • Einstellungen (Settings)
  • Sign off

You will then be asked for your VPN login details. Enter your user name and your (new) my.ohm password.

Why does my VPN connection sometimes drop out?

Network connection

If you have problems with the VPN connection, you should first check whether the computer was able to establish a working internet connection.

If the message “No internet access” appears when connecting to the Wi-Fi, then the VPN connection will not be able to function either.

VPN terminations (which are not due to the central infrastructure) may occur due to

  • the throttling of private DSL connections during the day by the internet service provider or
  • other members of the household using the connection at the same time.

Power saving mode for Centrino notebooks

If the VPN connection is established using a Centrino notebook, the Wi-Fi adapter’s power saving mode may be to blame. You can try installing an updated driver for the Wi-Fi module, or turning off the module’s power management.

Firewalls

Any firewalls used must allow external connections to the VPN client. In many firewall products, this setting is called “server privilege”.

Checking the network settings

  • Check to see if a static IP address has been entered. This should be replaced by dynamic assignment via DHCP.
  • Does the firewall on the Windows system allow the VPN client to access the network?
  • Some VPN clients require special configuration if they are used behind a NAT (network address translation) connection, which will often be the case in “foreign” networks.
  • Is a proxy server from the home or company network still configured on the system?
  • Is a UMTS connection being used? Some VPN clients do not work with such connections.
  • Is a network bridge active on the system? This can also make it difficult, if not impossible, to establish a VPN connection.
  • Is there a “leased connection” on the system, for example via a modem, which always tries to log in first? This will prevent the establishment of the VPN tunnel.

Is it possible to establish a VPN connection without installing a client?

No. At the moment, there is no “VPN workplace” available, which allows VPN access without a client.

MacOS: Warning during installation that app developer is not verified by Apple

You may receive a warning at the start of the installation that the GlobalProtect app has not been registered with Apple by a verified developer. In this case, hold down the Control key when you click on the installation package.

Linux: What distributions can I use to install the GlobalProtect VPN?

GlobalProtect supports Ubuntu and RedHat.

GlobalProtect cannot be used under openSUSE Leap. In this case, the installation will appear to be successful but it will not be possible to establish a VPN connection.