The BU VPN system is available based on guidance from BU IT Services or from BU Instructors & Staff.  

Please note that the BU VPN is simply a 'redirector' program, you will still need additional relevant instructions based on the BU system or online service that you are attempting to gain access to.  


Prerequisites 

  • Computer Windows Version - Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit for all versions)
  • Computer Mac Version - macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) or higher 


1) Install the Forticlient VPN application

The first step is to download the applicable "Forticlient VPN" program for your computer operating system. Here is a list of the client software for many operating systems:

Windows OS - Download Here

Mac OS - Download Here

iOS (iPhones and iPads) - Download Here 

AndroidOS - Download Here

Linux -  .RPM version Here, .DEB version Here


If none of the relevant links work for downloading the appropriate "Forticlient VPN" Client for your computer, please visit the direct download page here:  https://www.fortinet.com/support/product-downloads  Scroll down the screen to the “FortiClient VPN” section, and choose the download for your operating system (Windows, MacOS, or Linux).  

NOTE: Ensure the program title is stated as "FortiClient VPN", do not download any other versions of FortiClient-named programs listed on the page. Confirm with the image seen below. 

Save the download, then install the program, clicking through the prompts until finished.



The Forticlient website maybe overloaded from time to time. If you are unable to download the software you can download the software from our website. It is still preferred to download directly from Forticlient as they will have the most current version available to you.


Download for Windows/Mac/Linux (requires BU email address and BU account password)



2) Configure "FortiClient VPN"

Windows users: double click the FortiClient Shield icon on the desktop.

You can also access the program through the programs menu.


Mac users: an icon that looks like a gray and white shield should show towards the top right hand side of the screen, if you hover your mouse over it, it should show text indicating it is FortiClient. You can also look for FortiClient VPN in the Launch Pad.


Accept the license agreement, and click “Configure VPN”   If your Forticlient is not visually the same as the screenshot below, please verify that you have downloaded the proper program listed as "Forticlient VPN".  If you have downloaded the incorrect version (a program that just says "Forticlient" is the incorrect one), please uninstall and repeat the install steps above. 



New VPN Connection

VPN: SSL-VPN

Connection Name: buvpn

Description: BUVPN

Remote Gateway: buvpn.brandonu.ca

Leave Customize port unchecked with port number 443

Client Certificate: None

Authentication: Prompt on Login

Click Save



3) Connect to the BU VPN system


At the login screen, type in the required login info.

In the username field, type your BU Account Username.  

        *Entering your BU Email Address will not work, and will cause the VPN connection to fail.

        *if you have trouble connecting, you can try adding bu-ad\ before your account username (eg  bu-ad\username )

In the password field, type your BU Account Password

Click Connect

 


Once connected, you will see a screen similar to the one below.  You can minimize the screen while you are working. 



With FortiClient connected, you should be able to access BU network resources that are dependent on having a working VPN connection, like SPSS (if you have it installed on your computer) or other sites like workforce.brandonu.ca   Please consult your other information/documentation on what exact BU system that you are trying to access.

To Disconnect, click the Disconnect button on the Application screen


TROUBLESHOOTING

If the BU VPN client starts to cause problems like repeatedly disconnecting/dropping the VPN connection a lot: 

  • Shutdown and restart the computer
  • Try restarting the internet connection hardware that may be in the home (ie your internet 'router' or 'gateway' unit)
  • Uninstall FortiClient, reboot your computer, and reinstall FortiClient
  • Run a disk cleanup utility like “Disk Cleanup” on Windows to remove temporary files created and left behind by FortiClient



If you are unable to connect, but you can confirm that your BU Account Username and Password is working on other BU computer systems or online services:

  • Verify that you are using the correct format of your BU Username and Password at the VPN login screen, as outlined earlier in the article


  • Verify that all of the settings of the VPN connection you performed in Step 2 are correct.


  • If you use any other type of personal or work-related VPN application, please try turning off the other VPN program first.


  • Your account may not have the required permissions. All BU active staff and certain restricted groups only have permissions for BU VPN access. please contact the helpdesk at https://helpdesk.brandonu.ca or [email protected] for verification on this.