IST provides a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service to the campus community to facilitate telecommuting and other access to campus-based network resources. The VPN uses the public Internet to connect a remote computer, such as a home computer or a laptop, securely to the University of Waterloo network. The underlying principle is to make the remote computer seem as if it were physically connected to the campus network.

Accessing all campus network resources

Users will need to install the VPN client software in order to get access to all campus network resources. In this case, you would run the Cisco AnyConnect client software, then do what you need to do to access the resource. For example, you would start the VPN client before running site-licensed software on your laptop that needs to connect to our license server, before mapping a network drive, or before starting your Remote Desktop client. For instructions to sign in to VPN client please see https://uwaterloo.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ISTKB/pages/edit-v2/1540588259?draftShareId=48723990-22ae-41f6-ab1a-96a2878123a8

• The VPN device network address is: "cn-vpn.uwaterloo.ca"

• The "Connect to" location for the AnyConnect client is: "cn-vpn.uwaterloo.ca"

• There are now two options under the 'Group' drop-down menu: UW-Campus and UW-General-Campus. If you experience difficulty connecting to UW-Campus or cannot reach some on-campus resources, please use the alternate profile, UW-General-Campus. 

To learn more about this service, confirm required setting, or view installation guides, please visit our VPN service catalogue page. 

You have a Skype extension if your phone extension begins with a "4" e.g. 44358

You can use your device (i.e. iPhone, Android phone, Windows PC, or Mac) that is capable of running a Skype for Business client, you can perform all telephone and collaboration-related actions, regardless of your location (i.e. VPN not required).  

Calling 911 from off-campus using S4B 

If you are using Skype for Business from off-campus and need to call 911 for an emergency, it is highly recommended to call 911 from another device, such as a home phone or mobile device.

If you do call 911 from Skype for Business, if possible, you will need to:

• Inform the regional services of your actual location  

• Call UWaterloo Police Services (519-888-4911) to inform them that you have called from off-campus and that campus police services should not go to your typically designated office

You have a traditional phone and extension if your extension begins with a "3" e.g. 34358

Using a device that is capable of running a Skype for Business client (i.e. iPhone, Android phone, Windows PC, or Mac), below is a list of the actions you can and cannot do:

Collaboration features that do work with Skype for Business "basic":

• Skype-to-Skype calls

• Instant message conversations with other Skype for Business users  

• Create and participate in Skype Meetings  

• Perform screen sharing with other Skype contacts  

• Start video chatting (if one or both parties have a web cam)  

Collaboration features that do not work with Skype for Business "basic":

• Access your OfficeLinx voicemail over the telephone from the Skype client  

• Cannot call via extension or telephone number  

  • While you cannot dial by extension, you ca n call via voice to any other Skype user by searching for the person you want to communicate with, select the arrow beside the phone icon, and choose Skype Call  
    

• If you need to contact someone at an extension on campus you can use any other available telephone you have and contact them through the standard methods of either dialling 519-888-4567 and speaking their name to the automated attendant, or entering their direct University extension

Note: Individuals cannot forward their extensions to off-campus telephones.

Need help?

Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.

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