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Service guide · Ilam University

Connect to the university VPN

Secure access from outside campus to authorized university resources. Choose your device and follow only its steps.

In this guide
Guide details and useful addresses
Audience
Students, Faculty, Staff, International students
Platform
Android / iOS / Windows / macOS
Estimated reading time
5 minutes
VPNvpn.ilam.ac.irSelect the text to copy it.

Before you start

  • Have internet access, an active UID account, and access to Authenticator or a previously enabled Passkey.
  • A VPN is usually unnecessary when connected to the internal university network.
  • If the app is installed, skip installation and follow your device’s connection steps.

Operating-system compatibility depends on the Cisco Secure Client release. Check your device against the university-approved package; one fixed minimum does not apply to every release.

Official VPN service and software page

Choose your device

Open only your device section and follow its steps.

Windows

Steps for Windows

Install only if the app is missing

Get the university-approved software

  1. Obtain the university-approved Windows installer from the official VPN service page.
  2. Run the installer.
  3. Select Next.
  4. Read and accept the licence terms.
  5. Select Install.
  6. If User Account Control asks for permission, approve the trusted Cisco installer.
  7. Select Finish when installation completes.

Set up and connect

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client from Start.
  2. Enter vpn.ilam.ac.ir in the connection address field.
  3. Select Connect.
  4. Authenticate on the university central sign-in page.
  5. After sign-in, check for Connected.
Authentication methods
Android

Steps for Android

Install only if the app is missing

Get the university-approved software

  1. Obtain the Android app through the university-approved distribution route.
  2. Open Cisco Secure Client.

These steps follow the visual Android PDF, which specifies Android 10 or later. Check compatibility with the app package you obtain.

1. Start

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client.
  2. Select Connections.
  3. Select + to create a new connection.

2. Set up the connection

  1. Enter only vpn.ilam.ac.ir in Server Address.
  2. Description is optional; you may give the connection a name.
  3. Keep Advanced Preferences unchanged.
  4. Save the connection.
  5. Turn on the AnyConnect VPN switch.

3. Authenticate

  1. Sign in on the university central authentication page with your UID, password and Authenticator code, or an already enabled Passkey.
Details of sign-in methods

4. Check the connection

  1. Return to Cisco Secure Client and check for Connected.
iPhone and iPad

Steps for iPhone and iPad

Install only if the app is missing

Get the university-approved software

  1. Check the official VPN service page for the approved iOS app distribution route.
  2. If no download is offered, ask the IT Center for the approved source.
  3. Open Cisco Secure Client after installation.

Set up and connect

  1. Open Connections.
  2. Select Add connection.
  3. Enter vpn.ilam.ac.ir in Server Address.
  4. Save the connection.
  5. Keep the other settings unchanged.
  6. Enable the VPN connection.
  7. Approve the iOS request to add the trusted VPN configuration.
  8. Authenticate on the university central sign-in page.
  9. After sign-in, check for Connected.
Authentication methods
macOS

Steps for macOS

Install only if the app is missing

Get the university-approved software

  1. Check the official VPN service page for the approved macOS installer.
  2. If no installer is offered, ask the IT Center for the approved source.
  3. Install the VPN component of Cisco Secure Client.
  4. Follow macOS prompts for Cisco permissions or system extensions.

Set up and connect

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client.
  2. Enter vpn.ilam.ac.ir in the connection address field.
  3. Select Connect.
  4. Authenticate on the university central sign-in page.
  5. After sign-in, check for Connected.
Authentication methods

Authenticate with the university

Starting the connection opens university central authentication. Enter account information only on the official authentication domain.

UID and password + Authenticator

  1. Enter your UID and password on the university page.
  2. Complete Authenticator verification.

Passkey

If already enabled, sign in with your Passkey; this method does not require a username, password or separate Authenticator step. A Passkey is not required to use the VPN.

Get or recover your UID · Enable two-factor authentication · Official authentication help

Check the result and disconnect

The client should show Connected. Open the university resource you need; opening a public website alone does not prove VPN access works.

  1. When finished, open Cisco Secure Client.
  2. Disconnect the active VPN connection.

Common errors and solutions

The sign-in page does not open

Check normal internet access and vpn.ilam.ac.ir. Do not disable security checks to work around an error.

Authenticator is unavailable

Use an already enabled Passkey. Without an alternative method, follow account recovery and official support.

Connected, but the resource does not open

Check the resource address and your account’s service permission. Prepare the error text for support without private information.

Troubleshoot VPN

Visual guide · Android · Persian

Connect securely to the university VPN

The basis for the Android steps: start, configure, authenticate and check the connection. Instructions are in Persian.

Open visual guide in a new tab
View visual guide (PDF)

If the issue persists

Prepare the device type, app version, error time and message. Never send passwords, Authenticator codes, QR codes or Passkey information.

Contact the IT Center
Sources and review status

University VPN service page ↗ · Android VPN guide — PDF ↗ · Windows VPN guide — PDF ↗ · Cisco Secure Client 5.1 release notes and compatibility ↗

This revision published
3 October 2026
Recorded editorial review
4 October 2026
Status
Source-linked; university technical approval not received
Editorial responsibility
Supplementary guide editorial team
University technical owner
Not designated; awaiting the IT Center
Next planned editorial review
2 November 2026

Still need help?

Prepare the service name, error message and steps you have tried. Do not send passwords or sign-in codes.

Contact optionsUniversity general service desk ↗

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Related guides

Related draft policies

Not approved; these draft provisions do not replace the practical guide. Document available in Persian.

Draft article 9 (Persian)