How Do I ... Use Western ROAMs to Remotely Access UWO Resources

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Request for Access to Western ROAMs
3. Using the Western ROAMs Service
4. Remote Desktop Connection
5. Custom Application Access
6. Signout

Introduction

Western ROAMs is a VPN service which facilitates secure encripted remote access to campus network resources from off campus locations. Special software is not required as this service utilizes common web browsers.

Make sure your computer is up-to-date with Operating System (OS) patches, an up-to-date antivirus/antimalware package and a firewall.

Request for Access to Western ROAMs

To gain access to the Western ROAMs service, please complete a Corporate Data Access Form. Under Section III of the form, please check the box entitled Western ROAMs and follow instructions regarding form submission. The form can be found at https://www.uwo.ca/its/accounting/crpfrm.html

If your local IT group has made arrangements for alternate processing and handling of such requests, please work through them directly.

Using the Western ROAMs Service

The instructions for starting your ROAMs are listed below:

When you first go to http://remote.uwo.ca or http://wroams.uwo.ca you will see the following screen:

Next, click on the "Click here to login" link and use your UWO Credentials to login

This host checking application will integrate your system for parameters, such as what antivirus software is running and the version installed.

Note: For users of Mozilla Firefox, you may see the Internet Security warning window illustrated below. If that is the case, click on the Remember this decision checkbox and then click on the Allow button to continue with the setup process.

Click on the Start button, this will Network Connect to establish a secure encripted tunnel between your computer and the University network.

Once you have selected Start there will be a Network Connect popup, this will disappear on its own or select hide

In the bottom right there should now be a Martian like icon. This indicates that you have a secure ROAMs connection to UWO and are welcome to start using the secure connection.  

Remote Desktop Connection

In order to run the Remote Desktop Connection software you must first have the Network Connect agent running. Once this done you can start Remote Desktop Connection normally through the button.

Once the Start menu is open, find the Remote Desktop Connection item and click on it to open the program.

This opens the main Remote Desktop Connection window, illustrated below. From here you can connect to your remote computer as usual as long as the Network Connect is running.

Custom Application Access

Some departments on campus have set up special application access for their staff based on the department's needs. Secure Application Manager needs to be running for these applications to function correctly. Please see your technical support representative if you believe you should have access to a program through ROAMs but currently do not.

Signout

When finished, back at the Western ROAMs page, select: signout

Wait for the Net Connect icon in the bottom right to go away and the Western ROAMs session is ended.