VPN and Off-Campus Access

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.

Note that Swarthmore VPN is not accessible from the Guest wireless network.

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

1 How to install Swarthmore's VPN system
2 How to connect to VPN
- 2.1 macOS or Windows Computer
- 2.2 iOS Device (iPad/iPhone)
- 2.3 Android
3 Troubleshooting

How to install Swarthmore's VPN system

On a computer:

Open a web browser
Go to https://swatvpn2.swarthmore.edu/ShibSSO
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

A new VPN option has been added to Cisco AnyConnect that makes connecting to VPN much easier. If you have logged into swatpvn.swarthmore.edu or swatvpn2.swarthmore.edu connections recently it would have added the new connection: SwatVPN Login. On desktop you will find the new connection in the dropdown menu and on mobile you will find it by selecting Connections from the app home screen. This allows users to log in to VPN using the normal Swarthmore login screen and DUO prompt. All VPN connections provide the same security and access experience, but we encourage you to use the new connection to simplify your login process.

macOS or Windows Computer

Search for and launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
In the blank text field enter the server name “swatvpn2.swarthmore.edu/ShibSSO” then click Connect.
1. This connection may already be listed as SwatVPN Login in the connection dropdown. Access the dropdown by clicking the arrow on the right-hand side of the text field.
A new window will open with the Swarthmore login page. Enter your Swarthmore credentials and click Login.
The DUO prompt will then appear in the window. If you have logged in and verified with DUO recently, this page may skip past the prompt. If not, verify with your DUO method to continue.
You are now connected to VPN! The next time you open Cisco AnyConnect this connection should already be listed in the text field for you.

iOS Device (iPad/iPhone)

Android

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.

If you get this error, also pictured below, completely close out of Cisco AnyConnect and then reopen it. This should reset the app and allow you to connect.

Screenshot of VPN error with the text 'Authentication failed due to problem retrieving the single sign-on cookie' and a button with the text 'OK'.

Screenshot of the VPN error window