How to establish VPN connection to Kobe University

Last update: 3/14/2022

When you need to access high security data or key articles that Kobe University has contract with, you need Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.

Note: After accessing such info, please ‘disconnect’ since the number of connections is limited.

PDF version with is available here.

Steps for Windows 10 or later users

1.1 Setup

1. Install ‘F5 Access’ from the official Microsoft Store (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/apps).
2. ‘Start’ – ‘Settings’ – ‘Network & Internet’ – ‘VPN’
3. Select ‘Add a VPN connection’.
   • Select ‘F5 Access’ from the dropdown in ‘VPN provider’
   • Input your connection name (whatever you like)
   • Input the server name as: istc-vpn21.kobe-u.ac.jp
   • Select ‘Save’

1.2 VPN connection (when you connect and disconnect)

1. Connect to the Internet through the internet provider service.
2. ‘Start’ – ‘Settings’ – ‘Network & Internet’ – ‘VPN’.
3. Click your connection name (what you named above) under ‘VPN’ and select ‘Connect’.
4. Input your Kobe University account ID and password.
5. When you finish using high security information service, disconnect:
   • ‘Start’ – ‘Settings’ – ‘Network & Internet’ – ‘VPN’
   • Click your connection name under ‘VPN’ and select ‘Disconnect’

Steps for Macintosh Users

2.1 Setup

1. Install ‘F5 Access’ from the Mac App Store.
2. Click ‘Finder’ – ‘Applications’ – Double Click ‘F5 Access’.
3. Click ‘Agree’ of F5 Access Privacy Policy.
4. Click ‘F5 Access’ in the menu bar – ‘Manage VPN Configurations’.
5. Click ‘+’.
6. Click ‘許可’ (Approve).
7. Input:
   • VPN Name: Kobe University
   • Server: https://istc-vpn21.kobe-u.ac.jp, and
   • Click ’Apply’.

2.2 VPN connection (when you connect and disconnect)

1. Connect to the Internet through the internet provider service.
2. Click ‘F5 Access’ in the menu bar – ‘Connect to Kobe University’.
3. Input:
   • Username: (Your Kobe University account ID)
   • Password: (Your Kobe University account password), and
   • Click ’Submit’.
4. Connected to VPN
   (〇 on the left side of ‘F5 Access’ turns green.)
5. When you finish using high security information service: Click ‘F5 Access’ in the menu bar – ‘Disconnect from Kobe University’.
   (〇 on the left side of ‘F5 Access’ turns yellow and then gray.)

• (In the case ‘F5 Access’ is not shown in the menu bar) Click ‘Finder’ – ‘Applications’ – double click ‘F5 Access’ – click ‘Connect to Kobe University’.

More information

There is more information on the Information Science and Technology Center of Kobe University, including client applications that help establish VPN connection: http://www.istc.kobe-u.ac.jp/services/StandardService/VPN (in Japanese).

If you have problems with the setup above, please visit the site and get someone who can read Japanese for help.