Is FortiClient Necessary?
I do not like installing random software without a good reason. The VPN protocols are open standards, so why is the university insisting that we install FortiClient?
If you have an up to date operating system it is highly likely to already have the necessary software.
Has anyone successfully used the new VPN at remote.net.ed.ac.uk without this FortiClient?
Possible reasons that I cannot connect:
The network blocks connections to VPNs. (Dubious)
FortiClient is using a proprietary protocol (Very risky)
The service has been set up to reject all other clients (sounds like a cozy business agreement with FortiClient)
TBCAK (Trouble between chair and keyboard) (I’m doing something stupid.)
Any ideas or experiences to be shared?
Although the University recommends the SSL VPN using the client provided by FortiNet, many devices also have a built-in VPN client that you can use to connect. In-built VPN clients are only able to connect to the VPN using the IPSec protocol, if you need the SSL VPN then you must install the VPN client.
Just now followed the VPN set-up guide for Windows and connected fine through windows’ native client (this comment is being sent through the VPN). I’d assume ‘TBCAK’ then?
One thing to note is your VPN password is not your EASE password - there’s a separate page where you have to set up your VPN password. This has bit me in the ass a few times, check if that could be the issue?
It looks like they list the reasons for providing a SSL VPN on the page in detail. I’ll probably stick with IPSec as that works fine and like you I don’t like installing proprietary stuff if I don’t need to, but I don’t mind it being an option given we can still connect using the ‘normal’ process.
If you’re using Linux, I got it working using openfortivpn. I didn’t try to use it on Windows without the client.
wait so let me get this right the uni is requiring us to install a proprietary closed source VPN??? and we have to use it? someone please tell me I’m reading this wrong
You are reading it wrong. Read the entire thread again.