China Cloud Network Service to be Decommissioned
University of Alberta China Cloud Network Service (China VPN) to be decommissioned on May 1, 2022
The University of Alberta China Cloud Network Service (China VPN), implemented in July 2020, provides a lower latency connection to U of A services for students connecting from mainland China. Due to significantly reduced demand and a return to in-person learning, China VPN will be decommissioned effective May 1, 2022. This means that students and faculty who have access to the China VPN will no longer be able to use the system as of May 1, 2022.
Why was China VPN implemented?
China VPN was a temporary solution that IST rapidly deployed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to improve connectivity to U of A systems for students learning remotely from mainland China.
If the U of A deems it necessary to implement the China VPN again, does the infrastructure needed to access this still exist?
IST is maintaining the ability to activate this service again if needed in the future.
What should I do if I am currently using the U of A China Cloud Network Service?
No action is required if you are a current user, though you may choose to uninstall the application on your computer. If you still require a vpn, please follow the steps below:
How can I connect to the University of Alberta from another country?
- Most U of A resources are available from anywhere in the world and you can connect to them as you normally would.
- If you are having trouble connecting to University of Alberta services you can use the University of Alberta VPN. Learn more at the Access the University of Alberta VPN page.
- Some students and faculty have also used commercially available VPN services in the region that they are located. You may use this instead of the University of Alberta VPN, but it is not supported by IST.