CAEN Wireless VPN for Windows
Users have a choice of how they access CAEN Wireless on North Campus. A web-based authentication system allows the U-M community to log in using their UMICH.EDU (Kerberos) password at a secure web page, and access the Internet. Due to security measures, this web-based system will only allow certain network traffic to pass. For specific information on what traffic is allowed through the web-based system, please see the follow page:
Those who require access to network resources beyond what is described above will need to use the Cisco VPN client for CAEN Wireless access. In general, CAEN strongly recommends that everyone uses the VPN whenever possible to ensure that all of their wireless network traffic is encrypted and secure.
What do I need to connect to the CAEN Wireless VPN?
To connect to the CAEN Wireless VPN, you will need a computer with a 802.11-compliant (b or g) wireless adapter. You will also need to install the Cisco VPN client. The VPN client is available for free download at:
Note: There are many VPN options at U-M, both on- and off-campus, using the Cisco VPN client. The client is available for several operating systems, and various profiles have been set up to allow the U-M community to connect to the campus network. Users of the CAEN Wireless VPN will need the UM-on-campus-wireless profile. Further information on the various VPN profiles available at U-M, including a link to download the UM-on-campus-wireless profile, can be found at:
How do I install the Cisco VPN client?
Before installing the latest version of the Cisco VPN client, you must first make sure all previous versions of the client have been uninstalled, and you have rebooted your computer. This must be done via the Add and Remove Programs Control Panel.
Double-click on the installer icon. The executable will automatically extract the needed installer files into a temp folder:
After the extraction is successfully completed, the VPN client installer will be automatically launched. Follow the prompts by clicking Next, accepting the defaults. The Installation Wizard will continue for a few minutes while it is installing all the needed components:
Once you are prompted, click Finish. It is very important to complete the installation that you reboot your computer. Click Yes to have your computer rebooted automatically when prompted. When your computer has rebooted, your computer should automatically detect if you have a wireless connection. If there is a connection present to CAEN Wireless, the Cisco VPN client will automatically start (auto-initiation). You will then have to authenticate by simply entering your U-M uniqname and UMICH.EDU (Kerberos) password. For example:
To manually start the VPN client, go to Start >> Programs >> Cisco Systems VPN Client >> VPN Client. Highlight the UM-on-campus-wireless profile and click the Connect button in the top menu bar.
Automatic VPN Initiation
The Cisco VPN client supports a configuration called auto-initiation that is useful with Windows operating systems to configure settings such as connecting to default profiles. For more information on this feature, including a link to download the CAEN-configured auto-initiation file, please see:
If you do not wish to use auto-initiation, you may disable the feature. Simply select Automatic VPN Initiation... from the Options menu. Uncheck the Enable automatic VPN initiation box:
VPN Statistics
When your VPN connection is established, a padlock icon will appear in the system tray. Right-clicking this icon will present you with several options:
If you select Statistics, you will be given all the information shown below, including your IP address and the time period that you have been connected.
Further Information
For more information on installing and setting up the Cisco VPN client, you can visit the CAEN Hotline. Also see Cisco's Release Notes for the VPN client, provided at:
For more information about other wireless deployments at U-M, visit:
