What are the different portals used for?
The primary portal, which is detailed in the installation instructions, is called vpn.berkeley.edu. This portal provides a manual remote access service with three options for connectivity (see KB0012522 for information on the gateways). Users of this portal can start and stop the remote access VPN session as needed and will not be prompted to start it when their device starts.
An alternative portal exists for users to streamline their usage or to meet specific needs. The alternative portal is called auto.vpn.berkeley.edu. The auto portal operates on-demand, this means it will activate when you boot and log into your device and will attempt to connect immediately. The auto portal, once authenticated, provides the device Campus network addresses and routes all traffic through GlobalProtect. This means your device will act as though it is at the UC Berkeley campus with the access you would normally expect from Campus.
Users should consider using the auto.vpn.berkeley.edu portal to meet the following needs:
- Users of screen readers are provided a streamlined method of using the bSecure Remote Access Service
- Users of ChromeOS native GlobalProtect clients who want to use the Library gateway for full network access
- Users of devices that are primarily active on the campus network and will keep the tunnel at most times
Users wishing to make use of the auto portal should configure auto.vpn.berkeley.edu as the portal name in place of vpn.berkeley.edu, all other settings are taken care of by the bSecure system once a user has successfully connected for the first time.