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Campus Remote Access Services: Compare Options

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2.0 - Last modified on 2026-04-01 Revised by Rita Rosenthal

1.0 - Created on 2024-06-05 Authored by Rita Rosenthal

There are several ways to remotely connect to the campus network based on the type of business you are conducting. The bSecure Remote Access VPN (Campus VPN) is the preferred method to access the campus network. It allows CalNet ID-authenticated users to securely access the UC Berkeley network.

Which option is best for you?

bSecure Remote Access VPN

(Campus VPN)

Remote Desktop Gateway

(RD Gateway)

IST Citrix

IST Citrix

VDI

Library Proxy Service

Description

The bSecure Remote Access VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows CalNet ID-authenticated users to securely access the UC Berkeley network from outside of campus as if they were on campus and encrypts the information sent through the network.

The RD Gateway is open to the internet and relays authenticated connections to systems running Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Enterprise applications hosted through the Berkeley IT-managed Citrix gateway may be accessed remotely.

Virtual desktop environment hosted through the Berkeley IT-managed Citrix gateway. These are virtual desktops, accessed securely via Citrix.

The Library's Proxy Service is an alternative to using the Campus VPN (full tunnel) to access Library resources from off-campus.

Example Use Cases

  • For people needing access to many campus resources, or those who do not have a system they can connect to via the IST Remote Desktop Gateway.

  • If your primary computer is the one you are connecting from, this is the service you will likely need.

  • For those connecting to a desktop or server running Windows and using RDP.

  • If your primary computer is a Windows desktop still on campus and you work from that system, then this may be the right choice for you.

Enterprise apps such as CalAnswers and CalPlanning, or research apps such as SPSS or Stata can be accessed via citrix.berkeley.edu in a secure, duo-enabled manner.

 
  • For individuals who only need to access materials licensed for the campus by the library.

  • If you're doing research or assignments that require accessing licensed resources.

How to Connect

Take steps to installCalNet and Duo Multi-Factor Authentication are required

Login to ServiceCalNet and Duo Multi-Factor Authentication are required

Login to ServiceCalNet and Duo Multi-Factor Authentication are required

Login to ServiceCalNet and Duo Multi-Factor Authentication are required

Learn more about Library ProxyCalNet and Duo Multi-Factor Authentication are required

Contact the service provider

Information Security Office (ISO) and Network Operations and Services (NOS)

Contact support: bsecure@berkeley.edu

Berkeley IT - Data & Platform Services

Contact support: win-ticket@berkeley.edu

Berkeley IT - Data & Platform Services

Contact support: win-ticket@berkeley.edu

Berkeley IT - Data & Platform Services

Contact support: win-ticket@berkeley.edu

Berkeley Library

For support visit: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/ezproxy