VPN Instructions

Owned by ISO WS1
Last updated: Nov 17, 2023 by Alexander Scalcione
4 min read

This page will give instructions on how to get the latest version of the VPN client for Fredonia. University-owned computers should have the new VPN Client upgraded automatically on October 30, 2023.

If you are not on a university-owned computer and you would like to upgrade to the new VPN Client, you must uninstall the old version of FortiClient. Once you have uninstalled the old version, follow these instructions to get the upgraded VPN Client.

NOTE: You may need to make a firewall allowance for this VPN application.

Check out this Step-by-Step Video Guide for Installing the new VPN Client.

How to get the upgraded VPN Client

  1. Using a web browser on your computer, browse to SUNY Fredonia’s VPN Client.

SUNY Fredonia VPN Login Screen

  1. When you are prompted for your username and password:

  • In the Username field, enter your eServices username

  • In the password field, type your password

  1. Select Login

The Fredonia Web VPN will redirect your web browser to the Fredonia SSL-VPN web portal home page automatically.

After logging into the web portal, the remote user is presented with this web portal page:

Web Portal Page for downloading Fredonia's VPN Client

Note that these screenshots will show a Windows operating system. Installation for Mac will look a bit different, but should follow these instructions pretty similarly. Android and iOS users will need to install this client directly from their app stores.

  1. Once here, select the drop-down menu titled Download FortiClient and select your operating system.

  1. Once downloaded, find the FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller installation package in your files, and double-click the Application file to run the installation.

Note: By default, the installation package will be in your downloads folder.

Note: You will need local administrative privileges on the computer you are installing the FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller installation package on.

  1. Once fully downloaded, you will be met with this screen. Check that you have read and accept the License Agreement and click Next.

  1. Click Install.

  1. Once fully installed, you will be met with this screen. Click Finish.

You have now successfully installed the upgraded FortiClient VPN.

How to launch the upgraded FortiClient VPN

  1. Find the FortiClient Application by either clicking the Windows Button in the bottom left corner and searching FortiClient or by finding the application on your desktop.

  1. Once launched, you will see this screen. Check the acknowledgment box and select I accept.

  1. Select Configure VPN.

  1. After logging in, you will need to enter the information as follows:

  • Connection Name: Whatever name you choose. Ex. Fredonia VPN

  • Remote Gateway: vpn.fredonia.edu

  • Check Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel

  • If you are using an iOS or Android based system (Macs, iPhones, Android phones, etc.):

    • Check Use external browser as user-agent for saml user authentication.

  • If you are using a Windows machine:

    • Do not check “Use external browser as user-agent for saml user authentication.” There is a bug in the Windows version of FortiClient which will cause the connection to fail if you select this option on Windows machines.

  • Leave the rest of the options as they were, then select Save.

  1. Then, select SAML Login.

  1. You will then be prompted to log in.

  1. After logging in, you are connected to the Fredonia VPN.