There was a network problem this morning Wednesday 13th June that affected the use of DHCP around the Colchester campus. This is the process that allows a device to get an IP Address on our network.
The issue was caused by an interaction with some newly install AV equipment which was resolved at 11.15am.
If you are still experiencing an issue please restart your device before contacting the IT Services – Helpdesk on 01206872345
Important changes to remote network access – OpenVPN update requiredDue to recent changes to our OpenVPN service, you must download and install a new configuration file to continue to use the service. The latest configuration file contains the necessary security settings your computer or device needs to be able to connect to the University network remotely. The old configuration file expired in May 2018 and you will no longer be able to connect if you don’t update. You may have already noticed a message appear on your home computer warning you about this. We also recommend you update to the latest version of OpenVPN. Instructions on how to update are available on the IT Services blog. Do not reply to this email – if you have any questions about this update please contact the IT Helpdesk. |
Regards IT Services
Due to recent changes to our OpenVPN service, you must download and install a new configuration file to continue to use the service.
The latest configuration file contains the necessary security settings your computer or device needs to be able to connect to the University network remotely.
The old configuration file will expire in May 2018 and you will no longer be able to connect if you don’t update. You may have already noticed a message appear on your home computer warning you about this.
We also recommend you update to the latest version of OpenVPN.
When you connect in future choose Essex University v2.
We unfortunately experienced some disruption on our academic internet connection this morning which would have affected our Colchester, Southend and Loughton campuses. Jisc (our ISP) engineers are investigating urgently and appear to have resolved the issue. Apologies for the disruption to service.
A link to Jisc’s service status page is available here
Resolved – information update
We have now identified the cause of the problem.
Due to the large numbers of staff working from home or off campus today, our OpenVPN service reached its maximum number of available connections.
This meant that some users were unable to connect until a connection was available – meaning other users had to disconnect first.
We have now increased the number of available connections considerably. We will monitor the situation and should a further increase be required we will act accordingly.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Resolved
This problem has now been resolved.
Initial alert
Some users may be experiencing issues trying to connect to their office desktop PC and/or other resources on the campus network when connecting via the University OpenVPN service.
We are currently looking into this issue and will post an update as soon as possible.
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