iPass

About

iPass is a global network of dialup and broadband internet access points. Using iPass, you can connect to the internet via a local phone call in approximately 150 countries. iPass is cheaper, faster, and works in more places than our obsolescent toll-free (800 number) dialup service.

Usage restrictions: Please do not use the iPass service from the Pittsburgh area. The iPass service is intended for use by SCS users while traveling and iPass charges are billed to SCS Facilities on a per minute basis. If you need remote access in the Pittsburgh area, use the SCS modem pools.

Unlike our other dialup services, when you connect to SCS via iPass your host will not have an SCS IP address and hostname. As a result, you may not be able to access certain SCS services. You can use our VPN service to to access restricted SCS services from a host without an SCS IP address.

The iPass service is intended for use by SCS users while traveling; charges are billed to SCS Facilities on a per minute basis. A connect time of up to 3 hours per day, or 21 hours per week is considered reasonable usage.

The iPass client is only available for Windows and certain versions of MacOS. However, you can still use the iPass telephone numbers to connect to iPass access points using your regular dialup software. See our documentation on how to use iPass on Unix/Linux.

Important note:

When using an iPass dialup number, you are responsible for any local phone charges.

How to install iPass

Download the appropriate client installation file and manual for your platform:
- For Windows XP and Windows VISTA versions Enterprise, Business and Ultimate. There is no client available for Vista Home Edition
  - Windows iPass client installer (Version 3.6.2 works with XP SP3)(executable, about 25.7 MB)
  - Instructions for Installing 3.6.2 iPass Client(text file)
- For Pocket PC 2003
  - Pocket PC 2003 iPass client with Broadband phonebook installer (executable, about 1.9 MB)
  - Pocket PC 2003 iPass client with Modem phonebook installer (executable, about 1.6 MB)
  - Pocket PC 2003 iPass manual (pdf, about 200k)
- For iPhone
  - Download the app free of charge from the iPhone App Store
  - iPhone Configuration Code (.txt file)
- For MacOS 9.x (versions 9.2 and earlier)
  - MacOS 9.x iPass client install package (binhex file, about 3.4 MB)
  - MacOS 9.x iPass manual (pdf, about 70k)
- For MacOS X (versions 10.1.5 or later and Intel Macs.Only works with modem on MacBook Air)
  - MacOS X and Intel Mac iPass client install package (.dmg file, about 4.7 MB)
- For MacBook Air
  - MacBook Air iPass client install package (.dmg file, about 1 MB)
  - iPass 3.0 for MacBook Air Configuration Code and notes (.txt file)

If you are using VPN with a modem

On all platforms, including Unix/Linux, if you are using VPN with a modem you may want to download the SCS VPN modem profile and install it. This profile will enable some types of compression and provides a faster connection.

To install the VPN modem profile on Windows, copy it to:
C:\scs_vpn\profiles
The above path assumes that you have installed the VPN software on the C: drive. The profile name that you will see when running the VPN dialer on Windows is "modem".

To install the VPN modem profile on MacOS or Unix/Linux, copy the profile to the directory:
/etc/CiscoSystemsVPNClient/Profiles

On these platforms, you will then run the VPN client as:
vpnclient connect modem nocertpwd

How to use iPass

On all platforms, you will need a /remote Kerberos instance to use the iPass client. If you do not already have such an instance and password, see our step-by-step instructions on how to create Kerberos instances using the Instance Manager. After installation, to connect to the internet from Windows and MacOS hosts:

Run the installed iPass client.
Use "your_userid/remote" as your login id. For example: bovik/remote.
Use your /remote Kerberos instance password as the password.

As mentioned previously, Unix/Linux users should follow the special iPass Unix/Linux instructions to use iPass.

To find an iPass Hotspot:

Point a browser to http://www.ipass.com/mobilehotspot. Because this accesses an online directory of locations, you must have an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to access the function.

Connecting at HotSpot Splash Pages

We have been successful at using a Kerberos /remote instance and password to authenticate at AT&T splash web pages. AT&T is the wireless provider at sites like Barnes&Noble bookstores.

Your userid must be in the format of:

cs.cmu/userid/remote@cs.cmu.edu

If you user id is bovik then the userid string would be:

cs.cmu/bovik/remote@cs.cmu.edu

Select iPass from the Provider drop down list on the web page and enter your /remote instance password.

This has worked at AT&T. We haven't been able to login using this method at T-Mobile sites.