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GlobalProtect VPN for Windows

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to connect securely to a network (i.e. the ODU CS network) and access private network resources that aren't available outside of the network. When you connect to the CS Department VPN, no matter where you are, it is similar to connecting your computer directly to our wireless Internet.

The following are instructions on how to connect to the CS VPN using GlobalProtect.

GlobalProtect Installation (Windows)

This guide provides instructions for installing the Computer Science Department's GlobalProtect VPN on a Windows computer.

  1. Download the GlobalProtect Agent

    • Navigate to the ODU CS VPN portal: Open a web browser and go to https://gp.cs.odu.edu .

    • Log in: You will be prompted to enter your ODU CS credentials (CS_username and password).

      GlobalProtect Login Page

    • Download the agent: Once logged in, look for a link to download the GlobalProtect agent. Download the version appropriate for your Windows system (typically a 64-bit version if you have a modern computer).

      GlobalProtect Download Links

  2. Install the GlobalProtect Agent

    Once the download is complete, you'll need to install the software.

    • Run the installer: Locate the downloaded MSI file and double-click it to start the installation process.

      GlobalProtect Installer Initial Window

    • Follow the prompts:

      • Click "Next" on the welcome screen.

        GlobalProtect Installer Welcome Screen

      • Accept the default installation folder unless you have a specific reason to change it, then click "Next".

        GlobalProtect Installer Destination Folder

      • Click "Next" again to confirm the installation.

        GlobalProtect Installer Ready to Install

    • Complete the installation: Once the installation is finished, click "Close".

      GlobalProtect Installer Complete

Connecting and Authenticating with GlobalProtect

After installation, you can connect to the VPN.

  1. Open GlobalProtect:

    • The GlobalProtect client should launch automatically after installation. If not, you can find it by clicking the small upward-pointing arrow (show hidden icons) in your system tray at the bottom right of your screen. The GlobalProtect icon is a small globe.

      GlobalProtect System Tray Icon

  2. Enter Portal Address:

    • When the GlobalProtect window appears, it will ask for a portal address. If it's not pre-filled or is incorrect, enter: gp.cs.odu.edu

    • Click "Connect".

      GlobalProtect Portal Address Window with gp.cs.odu.edu filled in

  3. Authenticate:

    • The GlobalProtect client will show a "Connecting..." status and will redirect you to a web browser for authentication using your ODU CS credentials.

      GlobalProtect Connecting Window

    • Follow the prompts in your web browser. Once authenticated, you may see an "Authentication Complete" page in the browser. You can then close the browser tab.

      GlobalProtect Authentication Success Page in Browser

  4. Connected Status:

    • Once successfully connected, the GlobalProtect icon in the system tray will typically show a shield or indicate a connected status.

      GlobalProtect System Tray Connected Icon

    • The GlobalProtect window will also show "Connected".

      GlobalProtect Window Showing Connected Status

Disconnecting from GlobalProtect

When you no longer need the VPN connection:

  1. Open GlobalProtect: Click the GlobalProtect icon (the globe or shield showing a connected state) in your system tray.

    GlobalProtect System Tray Connected Icon

  2. Disconnect: Click the "Disconnect" button in the GlobalProtect window.

    GlobalProtect Window with Disconnect Button

GlobalProtect Installation (Mac)

This guide provides instructions for installing the Computer Science Department's GlobalProtect VPN on a computer running macOS.

  1. Download the GlobalProtect Agent

    • Navigate to the ODU CS VPN portal: Open a web browser and go to https://gp.cs.odu.edu .

    • Log in: You will be prompted to enter your ODU CS credentials (CS_username and password).

      GlobalProtect Login Page

    • Download the agent: Once logged in, look for a link to download the GlobalProtect agent. Download the version appropriate for your Mac.

      GlobalProtect macOS Download Link

  2. Install the GlobalProtect Agent

    Once the download is complete, you'll need to install the software.

    • Run the installer: Locate the downloaded .pkg file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to start the installation process.

    • Follow the prompts:

      • Click "Continue" on the welcome screen.

        GlobalProtect macOS Installer Welcome Screen

      • Continue through the "Installation Type" screen. You only need the GlobalProtect package checked.

        GlobalProtect macOS Installer Type

      • Click "Install" and enter your Mac's password when prompted to authorize the installation.

        GlobalProtect macOS Installer Password Prompt

    • Important: Approve the System Extension

      • During the installation, you will likely see a popup that says "System Extension Blocked". This is a standard macOS security feature.
      • Click "Open System Settings" (or "Open Security Preferences" on older macOS).
      • In the Privacy & Security settings, scroll down until you see a message like "System software from developer 'Palo Alto Networks' was blocked from loading."
      • Click the "Allow" button. You may need to enter your Mac's password again.

    • Complete the installation: Once the process is finished, click "Close". You can move the installer file to the Trash.

      GlobalProtect macOS Installer Complete

Connecting and Authenticating with GlobalProtect

After installation, you can connect to the VPN.

  1. Open GlobalProtect:

    • The GlobalProtect client should be running in your menu bar at the top of the screen. The GlobalProtect icon is a small grey globe. Click it to open the status window.

      GlobalProtect macOS Menu Bar Icon

  2. Enter Portal Address:

    • When the GlobalProtect window appears, it will ask for a portal address. If it's not pre-filled or is incorrect, enter: gp.cs.odu.edu

    • Click "Connect".

      GlobalProtect Portal Address Window on macOS

  3. Authenticate:

    • The GlobalProtect client will show a "Connecting..." status and will redirect you to a web browser for authentication using your ODU CS credentials.

    • Follow the prompts in your web browser. Once authenticated, you may see an "Authentication Complete" page. You can then close the browser tab.

      GlobalProtect Authentication Success Page in Browser

  4. Connected Status:

    • Once successfully connected, the GlobalProtect icon in the menu bar will change to a color globe with a shield.

    • The GlobalProtect window will also show "Connected".

      GlobalProtect Window Showing Connected Status on macOS

Disconnecting from GlobalProtect

When you no longer need the VPN connection:

  1. Open GlobalProtect: Click the GlobalProtect icon (the color globe with the shield) in your menu bar.

  2. Disconnect: Click the "Disconnect" button in the GlobalProtect window.

    GlobalProtect Window with Disconnect Button on macOS

GlobalProtect Troubleshooting

  • Incorrect Portal Address / Connection Failed: Ensure you have typed gp.cs.odu.edu correctly. If the connection fails with a message about the network being unreachable or the portal being unresponsive, check your internet connection first.

    GlobalProtect Connection Failed Error

  • Incorrect Credentials: Double-check your ODU CS username and password. Make sure you are not using your general ODU MIDAS credentials since CS users have separate accounts.

  • Stuck on "Connecting..." (Embedded Browser): If the GlobalProtect client seems stuck on a "Connecting..." screen mentioning an "embedded browser" and does not proceed to the external browser for login, you might need to ensure your system allows GlobalProtect to open web pop-ups or try restarting the GlobalProtect client or your computer.

  • Applying a Registry Fix (Advanced): In some specific scenarios, a registry fix might be required. This should only be done if instructed by IT support or if you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry.

    1. You would typically be provided with a .reg file (e.g., gp.reg).

      Registry File Icon

    2. Double-clicking this file will prompt a warning from the Registry Editor. Only proceed if you trust the source of the file. Click "Yes" to continue.

      Registry Editor Warning Prompt

    3. If successful, you will see a confirmation that the keys and values have been added to the registry.

    4. Restart GlobalProtect or your computer afterwards.

  • Firewall Issues: Your personal firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the VPN connection. Temporarily disabling it for testing purposes might help identify if this is the cause (remember to re-enable it afterwards).

  • Outdated Client: If you have an older version of GlobalProtect installed, try uninstalling it and then reinstalling the latest version from the gp.cs.odu.edu portal.
  • Contact Support: If you continue to have issues, contact us through mail: root@cs.odu.edu