Northwood Tech VPN - Staff

Learn how to connect to the Northwood Tech FortiClient VPN to securely access college network resources while working remotely, including troubleshooting steps for common connection issues.

Overview

The FortiClient VPN allows authorized Northwood Technical College employees to securely connect to college network resources from off-campus locations. An active internet connection and the FortiClient application are required to establish a VPN connection.

This article explains how to connect to the VPN using your Northwood Tech ID number and password, along with troubleshooting steps for common connection and performance issues.

Key Information

• The FortiClient VPN is intended for authorized Northwood Tech employees.
• FortiClient must be installed on your device before you can connect.
• An active internet connection is required.
• Sign-in requires your 8-digit Northwood Tech ID number and MyCampus password.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) may be required when connecting.
• You must have authorization to access the Northwood Tech VPN.

Prerequisites

Before connecting to the VPN, ensure you have:

• An active Northwood Tech employee account.
• FortiClient VPN installed on your device.
• An internet connection.
• Your 8-digit Northwood Tech ID number and password.
• Authorization to access the Northwood Tech VPN.

Instructions

Connect to VPN

1.  Click the ^ on the right side of your taskbar.
2. Click the Green Shield (FortiClient).
3. Click Open FortiClient Console.
4. Enter your 8-digit ID number.
5. Enter your MyCampus password.
6. Click Connect.

Troubleshooting

I am unable to connect to the VPN

Try the following:

• Verify that your device has an active internet connection.
• Confirm that you are using your current Northwood Tech ID number and MyCampus password.
• Complete the MFA prompt if requested.
• Restart FortiClient and try connecting again.
• Restart your computer if the issue persists.

I receive an invalid username or password message

Try the following:

• Verify that you are entering your 8-digit Northwood Tech ID number and password correctly.
• If you recently changed your password, use your new password.
• If you have forgotten your password, use the appropriate password reset process or submit a Service Desk request for assistance.

FortiClient will not open or crashes

Try the following:

• Close FortiClient completely and reopen the application.
• Restart your computer.
• Verify that you are using the Northwood Tech-approved version of FortiClient.
• If the issue continues, submit a Service Desk request for assistance with FortiClient.

I am connected to the VPN but cannot access network resources

Try the following:

• Disconnect from the VPN and reconnect.
• Verify that the resource you are trying to access requires a VPN connection.
• Confirm that your internet connection is stable.
• If only one application or network resource is unavailable, the issue may be with that service rather than the VPN.

My VPN connection is slow

Try the following:

• Verify that your internet connection is stable.
• Disconnect from the VPN and reconnect.
• Close unnecessary applications that may be consuming bandwidth.
• If possible, try connecting from another network to determine whether the issue is related to your current connection.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you're unable to connect to the FortiClient VPN after following the steps and troubleshooting guidance above, submit a Service Desk ticket.

Include the error message, a description of the issue, and the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted. Screenshots, if available, can also help the Service Desk investigate the problem.