What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a way to create a secure, encrypted connection between two networks over the Internet. A computer connected to UT's VPN is considered to be on the UT network, even if that computer is located off-campus or on another ISP's network.
How do I connect to the VPN?
For some functions, the VPN can be accessed via the web portal at https://access.utk.edu, but most functions of the VPN require a VPN client. The VPN client supported by the university is called Pulse Secure and can be downloaded at our software downloads site under the VPN category.
Why use a VPN?
The most common reason to connect to the VPN is for remote access work. Certain secure resources such as IRIS and T-Storage require computers to be connected to the UT network over a secure channel. This means that if a computer is not on UT's encrypted network (via Ethernet or eduroam) it must be connected via the VPN in order to use these services. The VPN is required in order to protect sensitive information and comply with information security standards.