What is VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure connection (“tunnel”) between your device and the campus network.  A VPN connection must be used when you need to access restricted networked resources from off campus. 

What is GlobalProtect?

GlobalProtect is the Princeton VPN application.

When to use GlobalProtect

GlobalProtect can only be used when off-campus, traveling or when using Princeton wireless networking services (eduroam, servicenet). GlobalProtect is not needed (and will not work) when you are connected to Princeton wired networks on campus. 

GlobalProtect Timeout

When using GlobalProtect VPN, the connection is set to time out after 3 hours of inactivity. The service is also set to time out after 12 hours of connection, after which you will be required to re-login.

GlobalProtect WebPortal

The easiest way to access protected applications is through the GlobalProtect Portal on the web.

1. Visit the GlobalProtect web portal. 
2. Enter your Princeton netID and password
3. Click Log in.   Note:  if you have already logged into a CAS application you will not be asked to login again to GlobalProtect.
4. The system will send a Duo request to your default device. Approve the Duo request. 
5. The GlobalProtect portal page displays with 'tiles' for the set of protected applications accessible through the portal.
6. Click the tile for the application you want to access OR type in an Application URL for other web based protected application.
   
7. GlobalProtect makes a secure connection to the application and opens the application.

You will need to install GlobalProtect software to access a subset of Princeton’s protected resources, including:

• Central File Server / H: Drive / M: Drive
• RDP (remote desktop protocol) to desktop workstations
• SSH (Secure Shell) connections to Linux systems

Install GlobalProtect on your computer

Important! Not all protected services are available through the web portal. If you know the application you are trying to reach remotely is a restricted service, and yet it is not listed in the portal, you will need to install GlobalProtect software on your device to access it remotely.

GlobalProtect software can be installed on Windows computers, Mac computers, mobile devices and tablets. Instructions for installing and using the software to access protected resources can be found in "GlobalProtect VPN: Installation Instructions"

Start GlobalProtect on your computer

To start GlobalProtect on your Windows or Mac computer: 

1. Click the GlobalProtect application icon (grey globe) in your system tray at the bottom right (Windows) or top menu bar (Mac). 
2. On the Welcome to GlobalProtect pop-up window, enter the portal address vpn.princeton.edu and click Connect.
   
   Note:  On future logins you will not be asked to enter the portal address.
3. . The system will use your default system web browser to authenticate through CAS and send you a Duo request to your default device.  If you already logged onto a CAS application, you will not need to re-authenticate into GlobalProtect.  
4. If prompted, enter your Princeton netID and password, and click Login  and approve the Duo Request.   
5. A verification message "Authentication Complete" will display after successful connection.  you can close that window after connecting.
   
   
   Tip!  Click the GlobalProtect icon to verify ‘Connected’ status.  

Disconnect from GlobalProtect

1. From the system tray or menu bar, click the GlobalProtect application icon.
2. Click Disconnect.

Start GlobalProtect on Device/ Tablet

1. Open the GlobalProtect app.
2. Enter the portal address vpn.princeton.edu, and tap Connect.
   Note:  For iOS devices, tap Allow to give GlobalProtect permission to add VPN configurations, and enter your iOS device PIN (or other authentication method).
3. When prompted, enter your Princeton NetID and password, and tap Login.
4. The system will send a Duo request to your default device. Approve the Duo request.
   Note:  For Android devices, tap OK on the Connection request pop-up window.
5. GlobalProtect will send a notification (Android) or display the VPN icon in the status bar (iOS) when you are connected to the service.
6. With VPN service established, open the application you want to access. 

Disconnect GlobalProtect on Device/ Tablet

1. Select the GlobalProtect application icon from your home screen. 
2. Tap the Disconnect button.

Access library electronic resources

GlobalProtect cannot be used to access Library electronic resources. The recommended path for accessing electronic resources off-campus is via the links on the Library’s website, by searching the catalog, Articles+, the A-Z Resources List, Research Guides, etc. These links are configured to provide authorized users with access even while off-campus. Users will be required to enter their University NetID and password to authenticate and gain access to electronic resources. In addition to our websites the Library offers additional tools for accessing electronic resources using Princeton authentication and several browser extensions.

Princeton Virtual Desktops

Princeton Virtual Desktops (PVD) offer anytime, anywhere access to academic software from your personal computer or other device, rather than having to use a campus-based computer. Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and casual-hourly users have access to PVD Student Labs through their Princeton netID. 

Remote Access to Central File Server

Please note: If you are off campus, you will need to make a VPN connection to the University before accessing the Central File Server. Once a VPN connection is established, follow the instructions below to access drives.

Windows - Connecting to your Home (H:) drive

1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter My PC. 
2. Click on This PC to open the app.
3. In the top pane of the This PC window, click the Computer tab.
4. Click Map Network Drive > Map Network Drive.
5. The Map Network Drive dialog box will open. 
6. In the Drive field, select H: from the dropdown.
7. In the Folder field type, \\files.princeton.edu\YourNetID
8. If you want to remap to this drive the next time you log in, click the Reconnect at sign-in checkbox.
9. Click Finish.
10. If you are prompted for authentication, login with your PRINCETON\YourNetID and password.
11. The drive is now mapped.

Windows - Connecting to your Departmental (M:) drive

1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter \\files.princeton.edu\dept and press Enter. 
2. Expand the window by clicking on the maximize icon.
3. You may be prompted to enter in your credentials. Enter your user name as “PRINCETON\yourNetID” and your password. Click OK.
4. Click on your departmental folder in the list (a checkmark will display to the left of the name).
5. Click on Home at the top of the window to display the header menu. 
6. On the header menu, click on Easy Access, and choose Map a Drive.
7. On the Map Network Drive screen, you can change the drive letter (optional).  Click the checkbox to the left of Reconnect at sign-in. Click Finish.
8. The drive is now mapped.

Mac computers - saving a link to your Home drive (H:) on the desktop

1. Click the Finder icon in the dock.
2. Click on Finder on the menu bar.
3. Click on Preferences.
4. On the sidebar tab, make sure “Connected servers” is checked under Locations and close the Preferences window.
5. Click Go on the menu bar.
6. Click Connect to Server.
7. In the Server address input box, enter smb://files.princeton.edu/YourNetID and click Connect.
8. If you are prompted for authentication, login with your Princeton NetID and password.
9. Right-click on the disk icon on the desktop labeled with YourNetID.
10. Click on Make Alias.
11. You will see a new disk icon on the desktop labeled, YourNetID alias.

Mac computers - saving a link to your Departmental drive (M:) in the Finder sidebar

1. Click on the Finder icon in the dock.
2. Click on Finder on the menu bar.
3. Click on Preferences.
4. On the sidebar tab, make sure “Connected servers” is checked under Locations and close the Preferences window.
5. On the menu bar, click Go.
6. Click Connect to Server.
7. In the Server address box, enter:  smb://files.princeton.edu/dept and click Connect.
8. Login with your Princeton NetID and password.
9. Select your departmental folder among the list by clicking on it.
10. Click on File in the menu bar.
11. Click on Add to Sidebar.
12. You will see a link to your folder appear under Favorites in the Sidebar on the left.