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Introduction to Remote Access (Students)

William Paterson University provides several options for remote access into its computing and network environment. Choosing the right options for connecting your computer to WPUNJ from remote sites depends upon what access is needed and the overall cost. Read through the following to determine what best meets your needs.

Remote access to generic Internet resources
  • Option 1.
    The University provides dial-in access services to its computing resource for students by calling the (973) 653-3000 remote access number.
    If you are dialing the University's remote access system directly and the call is a local call for you then, all you have to do is to follow the web page "dial-up instructions for students " . No further action is needed.
    Also, if a call placed on the (973) 653-3000 number is not local to you, but the amount of estimated usage charges dialing to this number would be less than $20/month, consider dialing directly into the University anyway. This provides direct access to WPUNJ resources. If "Option 1" does not meet your needs then consider "Option 2".

  • Option 2.
    Consider using a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) if the anticipated phone call charges to connect to the University (not a local call to you) would be greater than $20/month. (Most ISP connections are about $20/month or less.) In addition, consider using an ISP in any case if most of your connectivity to University is for personal or family Internet access and not for connecting to WPUNJ resources.
    However, to keep in mind is that by using an ISP, you may not have access to firewalled (secured) resources at the University (ex. library search databases). To access these resources you will need to install the VPN (Virtual Private Network) software. See section below.

    Remote access to Intranet resources

  • Option 3. (Available as of June 15, 2000)
    VPN (Virtual Private Network) access is another form of remote access. Providing that you have a modem connection or better (DSL or Cable modems) to the University's network through a commercial ISP then you can access some of the licensed University's library search databases the same way you do from the labs at the University. The VPN software authenticates you as a valid WPUNJ node and in addition it will encrypt all your data enhancing your data transmission security. Check your local ISP for Cable, DLS modem ore regular modem services.