AnyConnect for Windows
Preliminary note
This manual was created for Windows 11.
However, the AnyConnect client also works on Windows 10, and the setup steps for Windows 10 should be very similar to the setup steps included here.
Troubleshooting help can be found below.
Alternatively, you can follow the video instructions of the SuUB
Note General
Some restricted services of the University or the State and University Library can only be used when you are on campus, so that the device you use has an address from the area assigned to the University.
To access these services from home or on the road, you must install a so-called VPN client software (AnyConnect or OpenConnect) on your device once and establish a connection to the campus with the VPN client before each access to the restricted services. This means that you are "virtually" on campus and can use the services you are used to.
Please note the different types of tunnels and make sure you choose the correct tunnel.
Initial Setup - Step 1
Make sure that your device is connected to the Internet (or the WiFi with the identifier "Uni-Bremen", if you are on the campus of the university). Open the website https://vpn.uni-bremen.de, log in with your university account and then download the installation file for AnyConnect.
Then run the file and click on "Next"in the dialog box that opens.
Make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet (or the WiFi with the identifier "Uni-Bremen", if you are on the campus of the university). Open the website https://vpn.uni-bremen.de, log in with your university account and download the installation file for AnyConnect.
Then run the file. If you are connected to the WiFi "Uni Bremen", Windows Smart Screen will open first (blue screenshot). Here you have to click on "Run".
In the AnyConnect Installer welcome screen, click on "Next".
Initial Setup - Step 2
Read the license terms and accept them by selecting "I accept the terms in the License Agreement" and then click on "Next".
If you do not agree with the terms and conditions, it is unfortunately not possible to use the VPN service.
Initial Setup - Step 3
The software will finally ask again if you want to start the installation. Confirm this by clicking on "Install". If Windows then asks you whether you want to allow the program to make changes to the computer, confirm this as well. For this you need administrator rights. If you do not have these rights, please contact your local IT contact.
The installation will then take place without any further action on your part. You can then exit the installation program by clicking on "Finish".
Initial Setup - Step 4
Click on the AnyConnect icon in the taskbar. If the icon is not there, start the "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client" software from the Start menu (via the Windows icon at the bottom left of the taskbar).
Initial Setup - Step 5
Click on the gear wheel at the bottom left of the AnyConnect window to access the settings.
Initial Setup - Step 6
In the tab "Preferences" check "Allow local (LAN) access when using VPN (if configured)". This allows you to access resources in your local network (such as printers or file shares) even when the VPN connection is enabled.
Connect - Step 1
Click on the AnyConnect icon in the taskbar. If the icon is not there, start the "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client" software from the Start menu (via the Windows icon at the bottom left of the taskbar).
Connect - Step 2
Enter "vpn. uni-bremen.de" in the field, if it is not already filled in, and click on "Connect".
Connect - Step 3
Enter the access data for your Uni-Account in the form of user name and password. The access data cannot be saved and must be re-entered each time a connection is established.
Finally, select the correct tunnel type under "Group" and confirm with "OK". The program should now establish the connection.
Disconnect connection
If you no longer need the connection, click on the AnyConnect icon in the taskbar again and select "Disconnect".
Troubleshooting
I can't download the installation file and get the message "Forbidden" instead.
- Not all university users can access the VPN service. In particular, alumni are excluded from use.
- If you are a regular member of the university (e. g. a regular student or employee) or SuUB staff member, please contact the Account Manager to have your account assignments checked.
During installation, the error message "The vpn client agent was unable to create the interprocess communication depot." appears
- This error message is triggered by an activated Internet connection sharing. Deactivate the network adapter's share in the adapter settings and try the installation again.
I have successfully established a VPN connection, but can't use the library services?
- If you want to use services that are enabled for the network area of the University of Bremen but are not "hosted" in the network area of the university (publishers are an example here), then you have to change the group from "Tunnel-Uni-Bremen" to "Tunnel-all-Traffic" when setting up a connection. For a detailed explanation please read the page VPN-Tunnelarten.
- ATTENTION: With this option, all traffic is now routed through the tunnel. Please leave the tunnel activated with this option only as long as it is needed for working.