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Remote observing instructions, using a Windows machine using Windows 7

or Windows 10

A1) Setting up a VPN connection to the Lowell network under Windows 7

This setup uses the SonicWall Global VPN client (GVC).  The way the Lowell VPN setup is configured, it will route all network traffic through Lowell while the connection is in place.  (There are ways to split the traffic up, but they are challenging to set up.)

If you are going to use GVC, please notify Lowell IT first.

  • Download the GVC client using your web browser from the following URL:  http://help.mysonicwall.com/Applications/vpnclient/.
  • Once downloaded, install the software.
  • Launch the GVC GUI and click on the + sign for a new connection. 
  • You will get a "Welcome to the New Connection Wizard" window.  Hit Next.  It will ask if you want the default Remote Access.  Hit Next.

    • , 10, and maybe 11

    A) Updated Lowell VPN instructions (as of September 2021):

    Lowell has shifted to a new firewall appliance (2021-Sep), and all users should use the new VPN server.  Instructions for setting up your computer to use the new VPN are at Watchguard SSLVPN Installation.

    For IP address, or Domain Name use: Server Address
    • : 207.192.243.66
    (primary) or 4.53.111.130 (backup)
  • Enter a name of your choice at Connection Name: <name of your choosing>
  • Leave the two selection boxes at their default (unchecked).  Then click Finish.
  • Select the connection name you have created and click Enable to start the connection.
  • It will then ask you for your login credentials and shared secret.
    1. the shared-secret [Contact your home department or LDT staff for your departmental VPN account name / password / shared secret]
    2. You will need to enter your VPN username and password [See above].
    3. DNS Servers: 10.10.100.32
    4. Search Domains: Lowell.edu

    • A2) Setting up a VPN connection to the Lowell network under Windows 10

    This setup uses the Windows 10 native L2TP/IPsec VPN client. The way the Lowell VPN setup is configured, it will route all network traffic through Lowell while the connection is in place.  (There are ways to split the traffic up, but they are challenging to set up.)

  • In the "Type here to search" box, type "vpn" and then click on the results "Change virtual private networks (VPN)."
  • Click the + sign to add a new VPN connection.
  • Enter a name of your choice at Connection Name: <name of your choosing>
  • For the "Server name or address", enter: 207.192.243.66 (primary VPN server) or 4.53.111.130 (backup VPN server)
  • Under VPN type, select "L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key"
    • For "Pre-shared key", enter the shared-secret
    •  )

    We no longer support the earlier VPN solutions.  Please review the supported systems information on the VPN installation page to be sure that your system is compatible with the new VPN solution.  If it is not, please get in touch with LDT staff as soon as you can.  The Lowell VPN solution splits the traffic, only routing Lowell specific traffic through the Lowell networks.

    Account Name: [Contact your home department or LDT staff for your departmental VPN account name / password / shared secret]

  • For "Type of sign-in info," select User name and password
  • Enter your VPN user name and password [See above]
    • Then click Save

    This should be the same as before.

    B) Setting up a VNC connection to dct-obs1 or dct-obs2

    Once you have a VPN connection into the Lowell network, you are ready to connect to the VNC server on dct-obs1 or dct-obs2. 

    Note: Contact your TO first to know which machine is free to use at the moment.  All instrument control software and data access is identical on both machines.

    1. If you have trouble with the VNC connections when the UI machines are setup with two displays, ask someone on site at LDT to change the display mode on dct-obs1 or dct-obs2 to Mirror Mode.  To set the displays to mirror mode, you need the Displays option under the System Preferences.  There, someone will need to click on the Mirror Mode button.  Don't forget to reset out of mirror mode at the end of the night.
    2. Pick a VNC viewer.  There are many options, so details will vary.  In this case, I'll use RealVNC, as this is pretty widely available.
    3. Start up the VNC viewer.

      1. Click on RealVNC viewer in the Start Menu.

      2. Enter dct-obs1.lowell.edu or dct-obs2.lowell.edu when it asks for the machine you want to connect to.

      3. For encryption, you can "Let VNC Server choose."

    4. You will get a warning about unencrypted connection.  Click Continue.

    5. You will get a pop-up window that will allow you to enter a password, but NOT a username.  The password is the dct-obs1 or dct-obs2 vnc password [ask your TO - this is NOT the user account password].

    6. You should get a graphical login screen at this point.  Click on the user (observer) and when prompted enter the standard observer user password.

      1. Name: observer
      2. Password: <observer account password> (ask your TO if you don't know this)