GlobalProtect VPN: General Information and Resources

Summary

Global Protect is the USNH VPN (Virtual private Network) solution allowing users to connect into the USNH campus networks and access many secured resources. This article contains general information about the GlobalProtect VPN, including links to installation and configuration instructions.

Note: The GlobalProtect VPN from PaloAlto Networks replaces the PulseSecure/Ivanti VPN which was retired November 14, 2023.

 

How GlobalProtect VPN Works

GlobalProtect "client" software has to be installed on any computer or mobile device that needs to connect to the USNH VPN.  You then configure the installed client with portal addresses to connect to the USNH VPN servers. 

Each time you need to use the VPN, you open the client and click the Connect button.  The client will use the USNH Microsoft Single-Sign On (SSO) and MFA to authenticate and connect to one of the campus Gateways.  You can specify the Preferred Gateway you want your VPN client to use by default, and you can switch to any of the other campus gateways if you need to for access to a particular resource.

 

Installing the GlobalProtect VPN Client

On USNH-managed computers, installation is done through the software management repositories.

Windows: Installation is available through the Company Portal.   The GlobalProtect client is automatically installed on managed devices.

Mac OS: Installation is available through Self Service (found in the Launchpad on Ventura).  The GlobalProtect client is automatically installed on managed devices.

Faculty and Staff who are unable to locate the GlobalProtect VPN Client on their USNH-issued device, please open "Company Portal" on Windows, or "Self Service" on Mac OS, then search for "GlobalProtect VPN" and click to install.   If you run into trouble, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.

On personal devices, installation instructions will vary based on the type of device you are using:

GlobalProtect VPN: Installing GlobalProtect on a Personal Device

 

Configuring and Using the GlobalProtect VPN Client

After installation, the GlobalProtect VPN Client must be configured with a Portal Address to connect with the USNH VPN servers. These portals provide the VPN client with its needed access configurations.  Two portal addresses provide identical access configurations for all campuses and are duplicated only for redundancy and resiliency.  We recommend configuring both portal addresses in your computer's VPN client. 

GlobalProtect VPN: Configuring GlobalProtect on a Computer

GlobalProtect VPN: Configuring GlobalProtect on a Mobile Device

GlobalProtect VPN: Running the USNH VPN

 

Known Issues

  1. Signing on to the VPN may open two browser windows/tabs in the computer's default web browser (the default browser is set in your operating system). These windows/tabs are related to the authentication to various VPN components. In most cases there is no need to interact with these windows, just wait until the GlobalProtect Client shows that is is "Connected".  
     
  2. There have been instances where the first time a computer connects, the Single-Sign-On process indicates an error occurred.  Select “Refresh Connection” in the GlobalProtect client menu (three lines in the upper right) to resolve the error.  If this refresh does not solve the error for you, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.

 

Troubleshooting

If you have an open ticket related to troubleshooting the GlobalProtect VPN, attaching your client logs can greatly assist ET&S technicians in diagnosing the issue. To gather your client logs, follow the instructions in:

GlobalProtect VPN: Collecting GlobalProtect VPN Client Logs

Once collected, you can update your existing ticket at https://td.usnh.edu/TDClient/60/Portal/Requests/TicketRequests/ by attaching the log file. Alternatively, if you have an email from the open ticket, you can reply to that email and include the log file as an attachment.

 

Further Readings

GlobalProtect VPN: Installing GlobalProtect on a Personal Device

GlobalProtect VPN: Configuring GlobalProtect on a Computer

GlobalProtect VPN: Configuring GlobalProtect on a Mobile Device

GlobalProtect VPN: Running the USNH VPN

What is a VPN

GlobalProtect VPN: Collecting GlobalProtect VPN Client Logs

 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.  

 

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Details

Article ID: 4751
Created
Mon 8/7/23 9:38 AM
Modified
Wed 9/11/24 10:20 AM
Applicable Institution(s):
Keene State College (KSC)
Plymouth State University (PSU)
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
USNH System Office