Virtual Private Network Use of Electronic Resources via VPN
The Heidelberg University Computer Centre (URZ) offers members of the university the opportunity to access the university’s internal IT services securely via its own VPN (Virtual Private Network), even when off campus. The connection encrypts data traffic and provides a secure link to the university network, ensuring that sensitive data remains confidential even when accessed from outside the campus network. This can be done via Cisco VPN or eduVPN (in trial operation). Information on installing the required client software, as well as technical instructions, can be found on the URZ website.
Split connection (standard)
With this connection, only traffic to university services is routed via the VPN. All other internet connections continue to run directly via your local internet connection (known as ‘split tunnelling’). This option is generally faster and sufficient for most university applications. Cisco VPN is set to ‘non-split’ by default, whilst eduVPN is set to ‘split’ by default.
If you use the split connection, access to licensed electronic recources (databases, e-journals and e-books) will not automatically be recogniced as coming from the university when you access them directly. This is the case, if authentication is carried out via the IP addresses of the university network and you are not accessing the resources via the university library’s electronic catalogues or other search tools.
No-split connection for e-media use
A ‘no-split’ connection is available for direct access to licensed electronic resources outside the University Library’s search interfaces. With this connection, all data traffic is routed via the university network. The providers reliably recognice your access as originating from the university network.
Switching between split and no-split connections
In the eduVPN app you switch the connection by selecting the relevant profile:
- Start eduVPN and select the server address eduvpn.uni-heidelberg.de.
- Select Wireguard Non-Split
In the Cisco Secure Client AnyConnect, the change is made as follows:
- Launch the Cisco Secure Client to connect to the VPN.
- Please continue to use the following as the server address: vpn-ac.urz.uni-heidelberg.de
- When logging in, enter the following depending on the connection you require:
- Split-VPN (Standard):
Your Uni-ID as username - No-Split-VPN:
<Uni-ID>@vpn-nosplit.uni-heidelberg.de
In both systems, you can switch between the two options at any time by logging out and logging back in with the relevant username, or by selecting the appropriate option.
Use of electronic resources via the University Library’s tracking tools
When you access electronic resources via the library catalogue or other University Library search tools, you are usually automatically redirected to the correct site. In such cases, the ‘split’ option is sufficient as the standard VPN.