I noticed that the list of prohibited activity on ucsd wifi included “Forging or attempting to hide your identity while using ResNet, including manually changing the Media Access Control (MAC) address or Internet Protocol (IP) address of any device connected to the ResNet network.” I don’t really understand how VPNs work, so are they allowed to be used on campus wifi?
VPNs don’t change the identity of your device in the local network itself (which is what MAC or IP changing does), it just sends your data to the VPN server instead of directly to where you want to go (note that the local network doesn’t really care where the data goes), so it should be fine. It also wouldn’t make sense for UCSD to ban VPNs since there are many legitimate reasons to use a VPN.
VPNs are allowed. I mean UCSD has its own VPN (but this one doesn’t shield your identity, it’s only for accessing stuff that only works on campus like the library databases
Do you know of any good free vpns for computer?
I use a VPN elsewhere but my paid VPN does not work on the UCSD campus. I think Nord VPN works though, just be careful about exiting and entering as the UCSD system is very sensitive to pirating and P2P traffic. They will shut off your internet if they catch you multiple times.
VPNs were allowed when I was in the Keeling apartments two years ago. If they ever give you a hassle, say you handle sensitive information for work.
MAC and IP are, as Thiago said, inherent qualities of your computer. It’s like the first and last name. If you were to change those, it would be like changing your own identity. A VPN doesn’t change these, it just sends all your traffic to an intermediate. So, for a metaphor, it would be like sending all your Amazon packages to your parents, and then your parents sending them to you later.
Hope this helps!
NordVpn, expressvpn and pia are all really great ones.
When you get a VPN, make sure they don’t log your traffic and access logs. What this means is that the VPN provider doesn’t keep track of what websites you visited and who was connected at what time. All three services that I mentioned above are no-log.
So would we have no troubles/problems using a VPN on PROTECTED while say… torrenting?
no problem Big Baller24
No you wouldn’t as long as you don’t accidentally do it while vpn is disconnected. I suggest setting up your torrent client to stop torrenting as soon as the vpn drops (look up the guide on how to do this)
Yah I’m using Nord and I’m aware of the killswitch. Just kind of a bit paranoid cuz it’ll be the first time torrenting at school because I can’t tolerate my parents 5mbps internet anymore.