Accessing Yale resources from home and while traveling
Connecting
There are several options available for connecting to Yale computing services and the Internet:
Broadband
Broadband is high-speed connectivity typically provided by cable TV and phone companies. A Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or a cable TV service is a must if you intend to run many of Yale’s applications remotely.
Pros and Cons
- Connections are very fast and reliable, and can co-exist with phones, cable, etc without disruptions of either service
- Good for high bandwidth applications such as video/audio streaming
- Requires special hardware installation
- Cost is more expensive than dial-up
- Service quality and speed may be dependent on service provider and location
- Best used for bandwidth intensive applications such as the Yale administrative applications
Wireless
Wireless network service enables devices with wireless capability to connect to a wireless network without plugging into a network jack.
Pros and Cons
- The Yale wireless network is available to all Yale Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Many hotels, convention centers, restaurants and other public areas now provide wireless access points, but if you deal with sensitive or confidential information, you should be aware that these networks are generally not secure. You can use VPN to secure such transmissions
- Cellular service providers offer wireless broadband access over their cellular telephone network
- Requires a wireless card in your computer
Dial-up Service
Dial-up service is provided by the phone company and various other dial-up service providers such as AOL, EarthLink, etc. Yale also has a dial-up service available. Dial-up service can be used if your needs are minimal, and you don’t need access to university financial applications. dial-up service will allow you to do things like check email, run telnet sessions, remote-control session, and access most basic websites.
Pros and Cons
- Uses a standard telephone line and computer modem
- Cost is inexpensive
- While using the dial-up service the telephone line is unavailable for voice use
- The connection can be interrupted if someone picks up a telephone on the same line
- Downloads using a dial-up connection are slower than a broadband connection (broadband can be 10 to 20 times faster than a dial-up connection)
Accessing Yale resources and applications
Why are some Yale resources, like Meeting Maker and email, easy to access while others are restricted?
Many of our applications are restricted to the Yale campus computers. These applications require the use of a Yale IP address or the computer accessing these resources must appear to be on the campus network. These resources are restricted:
- University Libraries
Yale University Library and Yale Medical School Library have restricted access to resources including databases and online journals from off-campus computers - Yale-New Haven Hospital applications
- Oracle, financial and business applications
- Network file shares
Methods for accessing restricted resources
Virtual Private Network (VPN) at Yale
VPN allows clients connecting from a non-Yale Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access services as if they are directly connected to the campus network. VPN provides an added level of security for Yale wireless connections by sending data over the public Internet through a secure tunnel. VPN is also used to secure wireless network communications.
A VPN connection is required whenever making a wireless connection using a public access point on the medical campus.
All active Yale NetIDs are automatically authorized to use the VPN service. No registration process is required, and there is no charge.
VPN software and complete installation instructions are available for Macintosh and Windows and through Yale University Software Library.
VPN is NOT required if you’re using Yale PPP dial-up services.
To access YNHH administrative systems, users must install and configure the Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) VPN Client.
Yale PPP Dial-up services
Yale PPP, Yale’s internal dial-up service, is best suited for users who need access to Yale services and the Internet from a residence within the local Yale University calling area. Since the service is part of the Campus Network, usage is governed by the University Acceptable Use Policy and is limited to Faculty, Students, and Staff.
- Instructions for configuring PPP on Windows and Macintosh are available
- Dial-up for Yale Law School
- Dial-up for Yale School of Management
Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop, gives full access to your Windows computer from a Windows or Mac computer via an Internet or network connection. For example, you can connect to your office computer from home and work with files, programs, and resources as though you were in front of your computer at work.
Running Yale University Administrative Applications
Whether you are using a high-speed connection or dial-up, it is possible to run Yale University administrative applications via remote control connection to your Yale office computer. Using either the Windows Remote Desktop Connection application or Symantec’s PC Anywhere, you can accomplish everything you would normally do using the PC in your office from a remote location. Dial-up should only be used for those who need this function infrequently, as it will certainly be slower than a high-speed connection. For additional information and advice regarding your telecommuting requirements and options, contact your desktop support provider or the ITS Help Desk.
If you know or expect that you’ll need to telecommute, ITS Client Support recommends that you establish your Internet connection service with your selected service provider well in advance of actually needing it. This will give you an opportunity to thoroughly test the connection from your location before you’re required to use it.
