The Cisco Virtual Private Network (VPN) client is the supported way to connect to Swarthmore network resources such as shared network drives, software using KeyAccess, and Banner from off-campus. When the VPN is connected, all Internet traffic from that device will be sent through the campus network to reach the Internet.

You can stay actively connected to the Swarthmore VPN for a maximum of 10 hours, at which point you will be prompted to log back into the client. If the device you are using VPN on is inactive for 4 hours or more, your session will end and you will be prompted to log back into the client.

Use EZproxy (http://proxy.swarthmore.edu) to utilize Swarthmore library bibliographic databases. VPN is not required to access EZproxy.

How to install Swarthmore's VPN system

On a computer:

Open a web browser
Go to https://swatvpn.swarthmore.edu
Log in using your Swarthmore user name and password
Wait while it checks for Java (may take a minute or so)
If Java detection fails, you will be directed to download and install VPN
Click the AnyConnect VPN link to download and save the file to your computer
Go to the installer that downloaded to your computer, and double-click on it to install

On a mobile device:

How to connect to VPN

macOS or Windows Computer

Search for and launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
You will be prompted for the server name. Enter swatvpn.swarthmore.edu then click Connect.
You will now be prompted for your Swarthmore credentials. There will be three fields that must be filled to continue (explained below). Once filled click OK.

Username: Enter your Swarthmore username.
Password: Enter your Swarthmore password.
Duo Option: Choose how you would like to authenticate with Duo. Further instructions are located in the text box below this field (pictured below). Note: when logging into Cisco AnyConnect for the first time, the “Duo Option” field may be called “Second Password”.

Verify your login using the Duo method chosen in the previous step. If successful you will be automatically connected to the Swarthmore VPN. If unsuccessful you will be brought back to the login screen to try again.

When ready to quit the VPN session open the minimized VPN client icon in the taskbar (Windows) or the dock (Mac) and select the End Session button. The VPN application will stay running until you exit from it. Once the client has been downloaded, there is no need to go back to the SwatVPN web page.

To use the VPN at a later time:

On a Mac: Open the Applications folder, click on the Cisco folder and select the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
On Windows: Click on Start, Programs, Cisco, and select the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

iOS Device (iPad/iPhone)

Go to the App Store and install Cisco AnyConnect by New Cisco AnyConnect.
After install, tap the AnyConnect icon on the iPad/iPhone home screen.
Choose OK to enable AnyConnect.
Select Connections from the AnyConnect home screen.
Select Add VPN Connection.
Tap Description, and enter SwatVPN.
Tap Server Address, and enter swatvpn.swarthmore.edu.
Tap Save.
To connect via VPN, after you connect to Wi-Fi, go to the AnyConnect home screen.
Select SwatVPN, tap ON next AnyConnect VPN.
You will be prompted for your Swarthmore username and password and Duo option.
1. The block of text immediately below will explain how you use the Duo Option field, in case you ever need a reminder.
Tap Connect.

Android

Go to the Google Play store and install AnyConnect by Cisco Systems, Inc.
1. For Kindle devices, install from the Amazon Kindle app store.
After install, tap the AnyConnect Icon to start the AnyConnect app.
Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).
Click OK to continue.
Tap Connections > Add New VPN Connection to configure.
Choose Description, and enter SwatVPN.
Choose Server Address, and enter swatvpn.swarthmore.edu.
Tap Done.
To connect via VPN, after you connect to Wi-Fi, go to the AnyConnect home screen.
Make sure the Connections option shows SwatVPN.
1. Tap Connections to select SwatVPN if it does not.
Turn AnyConnect VPN ON by tapping the slider.
You will be prompted for your Swarthmore username and password and Duo option.
1. The block of text immediately below will explain how you use the Duo Option field, in case you ever need a reminder.
Tap Connect.
If prompted, allow Cisco access to finish establishing a connection by tapping OK.

Chromebook

Go to the Chrome Web Store (click Web Store icon on Google Chromebook desktop).
Search for Cisco AnyConnect.
Click Add to Chrome button to install.
1. if prompted to confirm the new app, click Add.
Once installed, the AnyConnect icon will appear on your application screen - double-click icon to configure VPN.
Wait while the client initializes - may take 2-3 minutes.
Once available, click Add New Connection button.
For Name, enter SwatVPN.
For Server Address, enter swatvpn.swarthmore.edu.
Click Save Changes to continue.
To connect via VPN, right-click the "Wi-Fi" icon in the bottom-right taskbar.
Select VPN from the menu.
Select SwatVPN from under Cisco AnyConnect.
Log in using your Swarthmore username and password.
1. If prompted to accept a security certificate, click Import and Continue. Otherwise, click Accept.
After clicking Connect, a second window will appear for you to enter your authentication information. There will be three text fields labeled Username (not your full email address), Password, and Duo Option where you will enter your information. The block of text immediately below will explain how you use the Duo Option field, in case you ever need a reminder.

Troubleshooting

Can't print while connected to VPN

When connected to VPN while off-campus, access to local devices such as printers may not work. If you experience problems, try disconnecting from VPN to print.

Can't connect to SwatVPN while on the Guest wireless network (SwatGuest)

When connected to the Guest wireless network (SwatGuest), access to SwatVPN is not possible. If you have a Swarthmore account and wish to use WiFi, please connect via eduroam in order to use SwatVPN.

VPN and Off-Campus Access