Virtual Private Network | Bedford Public Schools

Faculty and staff with a valid Active Directory account may log into the school's Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access some network resources from outside the school. Access to these resources is handled by a security device by SonicWall with software by Aventail. Access to network resources will differ from user to user depending on network privileges and job assignment. Please note that all use of the Bedford Schools VPN is subject to the Staff Acceptable Use Policy.

Use the links below to view some documentation and short videos on how to use the VPN.

VPN Usage Instructions - pdf
Access the VPN for the First Time - video
What resources are available -video
Using the Network Explorer - video

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure method of giving access to network resources to a home or mobile user over the internet. You access our VPN by logging into a web page and using the resources offered in the menus. These resources give you access to the files stored on our network.

Can I change my Active Directory password through the VPN?
Yes. From the login page, enter your current username and password and check change password. This password change effects all systems that use Active Directory in Bedford - FirstClass E-Mail, School PCs, Moodle, Wordpress, GoogleApps and other systems. New passwords must be at least 6 characters long, have at least one upper case, one lower case and one number.

How can I access my network files?
Once you are logged into the VPN, click on the network resource you want to use. Faculty and Staff logins have tabs across the top for each school. Click on your school's name - then the resource you want to use. You can use your home drive and faculty shared drives. Use the links at the top of the page for instructions and a demo video.

Why do I have to have Antivirus and a Firewall on my home PC to use the VPN?
It is critical that we protect the Bedford School networks as best we can. Extending a service like a VPN opens up possible security holes. To minimize the risks involved, we require your home PC to have an active and up to date antivirus program as well as a firewall. Our VPN also does extensive checking of the files transferred as well as continues checks on your home PC while you are connected.

Why does the system log me off after 15 minutes if inactivity?
As both a security measure and to ensure there are open sessions for other users, the system will log you off after 15 minutes of inactivity. This is necessary to help to ensure you don't walk away from a computer logged into our VPN allowing unauthorized users to gain access to our network. The system also has a finite number of concurrent sessions it supports. Leaving an open unused session can prevent others form logging on.

Does the VPN work on a Mac?
Yes - the system does work with Macintosh computers.

Why do I have to have virus and firewall software on a Mac?
Even though there are few viruses writtin to attack the Mac operating system, files stored on these computers can still carry a virus into the Bedford network. There are free virus programs you can install for a Mac such as ClamXav.