UC Davis Health
Remote Access

VPN Frequently Asked Questions | Remote Access | UC Davis Health

VPN Resources

Frequently asked questions 

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure way for connecting and transmitting data using an existing internet connection. VPN technology provides security for data-in-transit by utilizing encryption and authentication. Two common types of VPN are remote access VPN and LAN-to-LAN VPN.

Remote access VPN is used for connecting an employee or vendor to a corporate network using an internet connection and a VPN client. This is also known as client to server VPN. The connection can be established from any computer which has an internet connection.

LAN-to-LAN VPN is used for connecting two corporate networks. This is also known as site-to-site or business-to-business VPN.

The VPN client software encrypts the data stream so that only the VPN server can understand it. This provides a method for secure communication. Its use also allows a computer to appear to be connected directly into the UC Davis Health network, even though the user is actually connecting via a client through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The common uses for remote access VPN are: access to files and folders on network drives, access to intranet sites, remote administration of systems and resources, and so on.

You or an UC Davis Health employee will need to submit an Access Request. 

You can use VPN from any Internet-connected computer.

Windows – Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows 10 x86(32-bit) and x64(64-bit)
Mac – macOS 12, 11.2, 10.15, and 10.14 (all 64-bit)

UC Davis Health uses the SSL based Cisco Secure Anyconnect Mobility client. Operating system native clients, PPTP, L2TP and so on are not supported.

LAN-to-LAN VPN is used to connect the health system network to the business partner's network. Only permitted IP addresses are allowed to traverse this connection.

Submit a service request and complete LAN-to-LAN VPN request form.

No, but ensure you are logged out of all the applications, and systems. Close the laptop's lid and this will make the laptop go to sleep.

Configuration of a Remote Access Client Device for the purpose of split-tunneling or dual-homing is prohibited. 

Windows 10

  1. Click Start
  2. Select Control Panel
  3. Select Programs
  4. Click Programs and Features
  5. Select the "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client" by clicking on it, and then click the Uninstall button.
  6. This step is only necessary if you are reinstalling VPN or want to remove all VPN related files completely. Delete "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client" folder from C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Cisco\ and C:\ProgramData\Cisco\

Mac

  1. Go to Launchpad
  2. Double click on "Uninstall Anyconnect"

Check out these best practices. Ergonomics for Remote Work (PDF)