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VPN Setup

Instructions on how to download FortClient and setup access to UA's VPN on different operating systems.

Configuration

Installing

To download FortiClient on a personal computer, please visit the FortiClient download page. To install on a university owned machine see Instructions on Installing on UA Machines

*If you already have FortiClient installed and are trying to update to the latest version, first uninstall and then download.

Setting Up

After downloading and installing the FortiClient from above, it needs to be configured.

Open the FortiClient console from the start menu

Selecting FortiClient from start menu

Select the "Configure VPN" link

Configure VPN option on FortiClient

Settings for the UA VPN:

  • Select the SSL-VPN option
  • Name it 'UA VPN'
  •  For the remote gateway input vpn.uakron.edu.
  • Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel
  • All other values can be left as the default.

Screenshot of UA VPN configuration settings

Login using your standard University of Akron login. Once connected, you will see a little green shield near your clock. Note: If you use a FIDO key for your MFA authentication, you will need to put a check in the box labeled 'Use external browser as user-agent for saml user authentication'.

You should now be connected.

FortiClient Successful Connection Screen

FortiClient Connection Confirmation

When you are ready to disconnect, right click on the shield icon and select Disconnect "UA VPN"

Installing on UA Owned Machines

FortiClient VPN can be installed through the Company Portal. To install

  1. Select the Windows Start button and search 'Company Portal'.Screenshot of the search for the Company Portal
     
  2. Once in the Company Portal, type 'VPN' into the search box. Forticlient VPN should be the first result, select the app.Screenshot of Forticlient VPN in the company portal
     
  3. You might be prompted to enter an admin username and password to install. If you are go to https://access.uakron.edu/Access and copy the username and password for the computer you are trying to install FortiClient on.

Required Version

Version 7.2.3.0929 or higher - Only people who installed FortiClient before October 14, 2024 should need to check this.

This is required for multifactor authentication (MFA) to work. If you have an earlier version, uninstall and then reinstall a more updated version. To see which version of FortiClient you have installed click the info icon in the top right and the version number will be under FortiClient VPN.

FortiClient Version Screenshot showing the info icon and where to find the version number

If you need to uninstall FortiClient and are using a university owned machine you might be prompted for an admin username and password. If you are go to https://access.uakron.edu/Access and copy the username and password for the computer you are trying to uninstall FortiClient on.