Knowledgebase: Remote Teaching and Learning
Global Accelerator Service
Updated: 06 November 2020 10:52 AM

The Global Accelerator service uses access points globally to provide faster and more reliable access to services hosted around the world. The Global Accelerator service is provided by Alibaba's Cloud Enterprise Network Services. (Alibaba Cloud Terms of Service).


To access the advantages of the Global Accelerator, users will connect to it with software called FortiClient. Once connected, the access to the Global Accelerator is automatic. To learn how to download and install FortiClient, please see the section Getting Started.


The degree of improvement will vary depending on your location and local internet speed. The service is being provided to improve access to OCADU services,support and participation in on-line curriculum.

Please note: this is an optional service and you are not required to use it.  

Eligibility

OCAD U is offering Alibaba Global Accelerator services for students located in countries where bandwidth limitations may result in poor performance, limiting participation in on-line courses. To request access, email ithelp@ocadu.ca with the subject Global Accelerator Access and include your Name and Student Number. You will be contacted shortly with a set of user name and password to connect to the GA service.

Getting Started

Note: The login credentials provided are separate from your OCADUid and password.

Download Forticlient

1. Click on the link that corresponds to the location closest to you.

*Note: the site will display an alert of privacy due to mismatch SSL certificate.  You need to accept and proceed.

   China North (Beijing): https://47.94.8.148:4431 
   China South (Shenzhen): https://47.107.97.254:4431
   Europe (Germany): https://8.209.64.74:4431

2. Log in with the provided user name and password 

3. Download the installer for the operating system selected

Installation

Windows

  1. Launch the installer downloaded from the link in the previous section. If a security warning appears, click Run.
  2. Accept the license agreement by clicking the checkbox Yes, I have read and accept the [sic]. Click Next.
  3. Leave the default installation location as is. Click Next.
  4. Click Install. The installation will take a few minutes.
  5. Click Finish.

Mac

  1. Launch the installer downloaded from the link in the previous section. 
  2. The installer opens to Introduction. Click Continue. 
  3. The license agreement appears. Accept the license agreement by clicking Continue. The installation type screen appears.
  4. The installation type screen appears. Click Install.
  5. You are prompted for your local password or Touch ID. Authenticate and the installation will proceed. The installation will take a few minutes.
  6. Click Close.

Configuration and First Connection

  1. Launch FortiClient.
  2. Click the Settings icon and then Add New Connection.
  3. Enter the following settings:
    VPN: SSL-VPN
    Connection Name: Enter a name for the connection e.g. OCADU
    Description: Enter a description for the connection. (optional) e.g. OCADU
    Remote Gateway:  (Enter the IP Address for the location closest to you):
       China North (Beijing): 47.94.8.148 
       China South (Shenzhen): 47.107.97.254
       Europe (Germany): 8.209.64.74
    Customize port: 4431
  4. Click Save.
  5. On the main screen in FortiClient, click Remote Access.
  6. Enter your Global Accelerator credentials in Username and Password. Note: These credentials are different from your OCADUid.
  7. Click Connect.
  8. After acknowledging the security prompts the VPN is connected. You will see VPN Connected as well as details about the session.
  9. When you are done with your session, click Disconnect.

Disconnect the GA service

    1. Launch FortiClient.
    2. Click on Remote Access on the left panel
    3. click Disconnect. 

FAQ

Do I need to apply for this service?

OCAD U is offering Alibaba Global Accelerator services for students located in countries where bandwidth limitations may result in poor performance, limiting participation in on-line courses. Sign up for this service to get a faster and more reliable connection to OCADU. To request access, email ithelp@ocadu.ca with the Subject Global Accelerator Access and include your Name and Student Number. Use of this service is optional and when installing the Forticlient software you will need to agree to the following:

You are about to access Internet content that is not under the control of the network access provider or OCAD University. Neither the network access provider nor OCAD University is responsible either with respect to this content or privacy policies associated with it.

If you access any of this Internet content, you do so entirely at your own risk and you acknowledge full responsibility for ensuring that any accessed material does not infringe the laws, regulations, directives or prohibitions in your jurisdiction governing access to and use of the internet.

Use of the Alibaba Global Accelerator services is optional.

What are websites available to be accessed through this service?

The Global Accelerator service is for you to access content related to your curriculum. Use the GA to get faster access to sites like the OCADU Website, the MyOCADU Portal, Canvas Cloud, TechSmith Knowmia, and more.

When should I connect and disconnect from this service?

Connect to the service when you are using OCADU services like those mentioned above. It is advised to disconnect the service if you access websites hosted in the country where you currently reside, because it will slow down your network significantly.

How can I get support with this service?

Make a support ticket by emailing ithelp@ocadu.ca with the Subject Global Accelerator Access and include your Name and Student Number

 



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