Northern Illinois University

Information Technology Services

iPhone or iPod touch

If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, the instructions are shown below. Please note: You must have software version 2.x, otherwise the built in VPN client will not work.

  1. Go to the main screen by pushing the button at the bottom of the device
  2. Enter the settings screen by Selecting "Settings"
  3. Select "General"
  4. Select "Network"
  5. Select "VPN"
  6. Select "Add VPN Configuration"
  7. Select "IPSec"
  8. For "Description" enter "NIU VPN"
  9. For "Server" enter "vpn1.ess.niu.edu"
  10. For "Account" enter your NIU Novell ID 
  11. For "Password" enter the password you use for your NIU Novell ID
  12. For "Group Name" enter "wireless" (all lower case)
  13. For "Secret" enter "goldkey" (all lower case)
  14. Save the VPN Configuration
  15. Return to the first Settings screen
  16. Select Wi-Fi and join the NIUVpn Wireless Network
  17. Return to the first Settings screen

Turn the VPN on, if you entered your password in step #11 above, it will connect. If you don't want your password stored on your device, leave it blank in step #11 above and you will be prompted for your NIU Novell Password each time you connect to the NIUVpn Wireless Network.