VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. VPN allows for a virtual encrypted connection to UNLV's network across the Internet. This link allows the transfer of information and data securely, giving access to campus resources that would otherwise be inaccessible. When connected to VPN, all Internet traffic is routed via the campus network.
The UNLV VPN is used by Faculty, Staff, and Students who need remote access to UNLV desktops on campus, as well as access to UNLV websites and systems that are not accessible from off campus.
Connecting to VPN may cause slower Internet speed
When using the VPN, all network traffic on your device is routed to UNLV first, and then the Internet. This will likely cause your Internet speeds to drop and cause some pages to take longer to load as all traffic must pass through the UNLV network.
Connecting to the VPN is not required for the following tasks:
- Accessing X and Y Drives using Rebelfiles
- Accessing Workday, WebCampus, UNLVMail/Rebelmail, or Library databases
- Joining online meetings
Connecting to the VPN is required for the following tasks:
- Accessing specific servers, databases, or applications on campus
- Using RebelApps (VMware Horizon) to connect to campus computers
- Connecting to your office desktop using Microsoft Remote Desktop
OIT requests users to refrain from using the VPN when not required and disconnect when it is no longer needed.
Requesting VPN Access
All active Faculty/Staff and students currently enrolled in classes automatically have access to the VPN. Group and Operator accounts do not have VPN access. Guest Accounts must have VPN access requested by their sponsor. For questions or for assistance with gaining access, contact the IT Help Desk.
Installing and Connecting to VPN
To connect to the VPN, you will need to download and install the FortiClient VPN on each device that you need to connect to the VPN. Verify your device meets the system requirements.
Installing on a UNLV device
On UNLV Windows and macOS devices, FortiClient is available though Software Center and Self Service.
Installing on your own device
First, download the FortiClient VPN client for your operating system.
Download FortiClient VPN client for Windows Download FortiClient VPN client for macOS
Once downloaded:
- Run the file from your downloads
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the client
- On macOS, select Allow when prompted to add VPN Configurations
- On macOS, you may also need to grant additional permissions to load
- Open System Preferences / System Settings > Privacy & Security
- Select Allow near the message "FortiTray was blocked from loading"
- If using macOS Sequoia (version 15), go to Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Network Extensions.
Enable Fortitray Toggle.
- Launch FortiClient VPN from the Start Menu or Applications folder
- Acknowledge the agreement
You'll see a notice to upgrade to the full version to access additional features and technical support. This is normal and does not affect connecting to the VPN. Support is provided by the IT Help Desk.
- Select Configure VPN
- Enter the connection information:
- VPN: SSL-VPN
- Name: UNLV VPN
- Remote Gateway: secure.unlv.edu
- Select Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel
- Select Save
- Select SAML Login to begin VPN connection
- Sign in with your ACE Account
- Once connected, feel free to close the client, it will continue to run in the background.
To disconnect, reopen FortiClient VPN, then select Disconnect.
To re-connect in the future, open FortiClient VPN, select SAML Login, then follow the instructions to complete sign in.
MacOS May Require Full Disk Access
On macOS devices, FortiClient may request Full Disk Access for FortiClient to work. This is because FortiClient has additional functions that other customers use for device security. UNLV does not use this function and does not collect data from your device. You may choose to disable Full Disk Access, however FortiClient may prompt you to re-enable it, or may not work.
- In the upper-left toolbar, select the Apple menu, then System Settings (or System Preferences)
- Select Privacy & Security
- Select Full Disk Access
- Uncheck or turn off both fctservctl2 and FortiClient
- When prompted, select Ignore to quit and re-open FortiClient.
- In the upper-right of the toolbar, open the FortiClient icon, then select Shutdown FortiClient
- Reopen FortiClient from Finder or Launchpad
You may be prompted to enable Full Disk Access in the future. These notifications can be ignored.
MacOS "Permission Required for VPN" Message
If you receive the message "To connect with a VPN with FortiClient, open Security & Privacy Settings and allow system software from FortiTray:
- Click the Open Security & Privacy Settings button
- In the left menu, click the General menu button
- Under the Extensions setting, click the information (i) icon next to Network Extensions
- Turn the toggle on and click Done.
Additional Mac Troubleshooting
If you are on a Mac, you may also need to go into Settings > Privacy & Security > scroll down until you see "Details" > Turn on the slider for Fortinet
Additional Windows Troubleshooting
If all steps above fail, please use the local installer .exe located in X:\Software Repository\CS_DFS\NEW SOFTWARE\TESTING\FortiClientVPN Local Windows Installer
First, download the FortiClient VPN client for your operating system.
Download FortiClient VPN client
Once installed to your device:
- Open FortiClient VPN
You'll see a notice to upgrade to the full version to access additional features and technical support. This is normal and does not affect connecting to the VPN. Support is provided by the IT Help Desk.
- Select Allow to receive notifications
- Notifications are used to notify you about your VPN connection status
- Select I accept to the terms of service and support agreement
- Select Allow when prompted to Add VPN Configurations. You will be prompted for your device passcode.
- Select Connections
- Select Add Configuration...
- Add the following configuration:
- Name: UNLV VPN
- Host: secure.unlv.edu
- Port: 443 (default)
- SSO: Enabled
- Select Save
- Back on the start screen, connect to the VPN by turning on the VPN switch
- Sign in with your ACE Account
You can leave the app once connected. You will notice the VPN indicator appear at the top of your device.
To disconnect, open FortiClient VPN and turn off VPN.
To connect in the future, open FortiClient VPN and turn on VPN.
First, download the FortiClient VPN client for your operating system.
Download FortiClient VPN client
Once installed to your device:
- Open FortiClient
You'll see a notice to upgrade to the full version to access additional features and technical support. This is normal and does not affect connecting to the VPN. Support is provided by the IT Help Desk.
- Enter UNLV VPN for the connection name
- Select SSL VPN
- Select Create
- Select Servers
- Enter secure.unlv.edu
- Select Single Sign On
- Select Enabled
- Your configuration should look like this:
- To connect to the VPN, select the menu icon (three lines) in the upper right
- Select VPN
- Select the UNLV VPN, then select Connect
- Sign in with your ACE Account
You will notice the VPN indicator appear at the top of your device. To disconnect, open FortiClient and select Disconnect.
To connect in the future, open FortiClient and select Connect for UNLV VPN.
Limited Linux Support
Connecting to VPN using Linux requires a distribution with a GUI and a web browser. You won't be able to sign in with a terminal alone. Due to the wide variations of Linux distributions, OIT can only provide limited support for Linux devices connecting to the VPN.
First, download the FortiClient VPN client for your operating system.
Download FortiClient VPN client for Linux debian Download FortiClient VPN client for Linux RPM
Once downloaded:
- The FortiClient VPN can be installed using the following command. <installer-file> should be replaced with the installer file name. Example:
sudo dpkg -i forticlient_vpn_7.0.7.0246_amd64.deb
- Ubuntu / DEB installations:
sudo dpkg -i <installer-file>
- Fedora / RPM installations:
sudo dnf install <installer-file>
- Once installed, refer to the configuration instructions for Windows and macOS above.
Using a Security Key?
To use your Security Key on VPN, you must configure FortiClient to use your device's default browser.
- Select the menu icon next to your VPN connection
- Select Edit the Selected Connection
- Turn on Use external browser as user-agent for saml user authentication
- Select Save
On your next connection, you will be prompted to sign in via a browser window which supports security keys.
Uninstalling VPN
If you need to uninstall FortiClient, make sure to use the proper uninstallers.
On Windows, FortiClient can be uninstalled in Settings > Apps or in the Control Panel.
On macOS, FortiClient can be uninstalled by running the FortiClient Uninstaller app which should be in your Applications folder.
On macOS, the FortiClient app and uninstaller will appear "locked" which is normal. You must use the FortiClient Uninstaller app to remove FortiClient.
Need Additional Help?
For additional assistance, please visit the Network and Wireless Connectivity knowledge base for additional articles or select a Related Service to submit a support ticket. You can also contact the IT Help Desk.