VPN
UF Gatorlink VPN Service
The Gatorlink VPN service provides secure remote access to the University of Florida network and makes it appear as if your computer were physically attached to the campus network, making it appear that your device is physically on campus. By using the Gatorlink VPN client, you may access resources on the UF network that are not typically available over an Internet path. These may include:
- Windows file shares.
- Private IP addressed systems (10.x.x.x, 172.16.x.x).
- UF Library Journals.
- Software licensing services
Once you install the VPN client, you will automatically be updated each time a new client is available.
Client Download
The client will require a minor amount of configuration the first time you install it. Clients for Apple IOS and Android are available through their respective App Stores.
Legacy L2TP/IPsec VPN Retirement
Starting on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, the legacy L2TP/IPsec VPN service will no longer be available. All current L2TP users should migrate to the Cisco Secure client before the retirement deadline.
Departmental IT staff should review any active dependencies on the L2TP VPN and submit a ticket that includes a brief description and point of contact so UFIT can work with you to develop an appropriate migration plan.
More Information
The VPN client is SSL-based and supports the full GatorLink VPN tunnel feature set, including campus-only tunnels as well as departmental VPNs. It is not a Java-based client and does not require Java.
The GatorLink VPN service is based primarily on the Cisco Secure VPN Client which. Supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Apple IOS and Android. The VPN service is based on SSL transport rather than IPsec which was supported by the older client. Cisco Secure VPN Client also works on networks that use heavy firewalling and/or network address translation. The VPN Client auto-updates and auto-policy synchronize to eliminate the need to update the client manually.
Once the client is installed, it will automatically update each time a new client is available. The client is SSL based and supports the full GatorLink VPN tunnel feature set, including campus-only tunnels and departmental VPNs. It is not a Java based client and does not require Java. In addition to the Cisco Secure VPN Client, the UF GatorLink VPN service also supports legacy L2TP over IPsec clients which are built into many popular operating systems.
The client will require a minor amount of configuration the first time you install it. See the configuration guides for more information. Clients for Apple IOS and Android are available through their respective App Stores.