7.2.10 Remote Access Service to UAMS Network

UAMS ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE

NUMBER: 7.2.10
DATE: 9/29/99
REVISION:

SECTION:	INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
AREA:	SERVICES
SUBJECT:	REMOTE ACCESS SERVICE TO UAMS NETWORK

PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to notify departments within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) of the remote network access services available to faculty, staff, vendors and consultants of UAMS and the procedures to be followed when requesting assistance.

PROCEDURE

As with all things on the Internet, many transactions are not secure and data such as passwords can be sent as plain text in some cases. Because of the lack of Internet security, UAMS does not currently allow direct access to our network or systems via the Internet and has implemented two alternative solutions:

1. Remote Access System (RAS) is the primary means of remote access to UAMS resources. RAS channels information through a secure connection via phone lines not easily accessed from outside sources.

RAS is a high-speed (56k) modem server with multiple phone lines that allow personnel to dial into the UAMS network from remote locations and work as if they were onsite.

RAS replaces the need for personal modems in on-site PC’s and phone line connections to those PC’s. (It does, however, still require a modem and phone-line connection on your remote PC).

2. Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is a process by which information can be encrypted via a virtual tunnel from one network or PC to another - across the Internet. VPN also allows for simultaneous connections to both the local network and UAMS as the remote network. Potential users for VPN are vendors needing high-speed connection for transferring large quantities of data, the AHECS, and potentially research groups needing to share large files. Other applicable uses are also being explored. When this type of access is needed, VPN will make a connection across the Internet between the two sites needing connectivity. This connection is a virtual tunnel that passes data with 128bit security. Any information passing between the two sites will not be sent in a manner that can easily be hacked since the packets are unintelligible.

Remote access (RAS and VPN) is granted for university and business purposes only and is primarily for e-mail, office file access (Word, Excel, etc.), or application access (eChart, Medipac, etc.).

Internet access is also available remotely, however UAMS is NOT an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and RAS is a limited resource. Internet usage via RAS will be monitored and individuals who inappropriately use this resource are subject to disciplinary action (please see Internet Access Policy¹).

Individuals interested in acquiring RAS or VPN access may call the UAMS Computer Help Desk at 686-8555 for assistance.