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Virtual Private Network 

(VPN) Training Guide

Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission
 February 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) ............................3

Benefits of Using a VPN ................................................................3

Connecting to the VPN Remotely....................................................4

Before you get started..................................................................4

Using Employee Page ...................................................................4

Using F5 Icon ..............................................................................5

PIV Card Error Messages............................................................. 11

 

 
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Introduction to the Virtual Private Network (VPN)

FERC is now using a Virtual Private Network application, as an additional 

capability to improve connectivity to the FERC network and enhance 

teleworking. 

The VPN will allow you to connect into the FERC network as if you were 

sitting at your desk at FERC. 

Benefits of Using a VPN

• Connection to the FERC Network as if you were sitting at 

your desk.

• Easy access to your network drives (K, L, P)

• Access to FERC applications from your FERC laptop 

(FERCNet, Outlook, ATMS)
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Connecting to the VPN Remotely

NOTE: If connecting using wireless, the following steps will also apply 

after you have established a wireless connection. 

Before you get started

For the VPN solution to function correctly, you must be logged into 

your computer with your PIV card and you must also have an active 

internet connection. 

Important: This solution does not work if you are located at FERC. 

Using Employee Page

1. Open a new Internet Explorer (IE) browsing session and type in 

http://connect.ferc.gov in the text box at the top of the browser. The 

following page displays. 

Figure 1 -Employee Screen
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NOTE: Make sure that you open a new session rather than 

opening a new tab. 

2. Click the Connect Via (VPN) link on the screen. 

Figure 2 -Connection Link

OR

Using F5 Icon

1. Click the F5 Icon in your computer Tool Bar to initiate the VPN. 

 

Figure 3 – Selecting the F5 Icon

2. Select a Certificate from the Pop-Up box. 

3. click the OK button. 
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Figure 4 – Select a Certificate

NOTE: Most users will have two certificates to choose from, you 

can select either one. If you have more than two, select the 

certificate with the latest “valid from” date.

4. Enter your PIN number in the available field and click the OK button.

Figure 5 – Enter PIN Number

5. Your PC will run processes in the background before 

being connected. This process may take between 5 and 

15 seconds.
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6. After a few seconds the connection screen displays.

NOTE: You will know that you are connected when you 

see the “Connected” status in the IE Window.

Figure 6 – Connection Screen

 
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7. Once connected it may appear you have no drive connections. Simply 

click on each drive and the Red X will no longer display. 

 Figure 7 – Network Drives
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Closing the Connection

1. You may close the connection by selecting the “F5” icon located on the 

system tool tray. This displays the Connection Screen. 

Figure 8 – F5 Icon

2. Click the “Logout” button on the top right of browser to close the VPN 

connection to the FERC network. 

Figure 9 - Connected

3. Or right click the F5 Icon and select Exit from the menu. 

Figure 10 – Connection Window
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4. A confirmation window displays “Your session is finished.”

Figure 11 – Log-out screen

IMPORTANT

If you have any issues with the VPN client, contact IT support at 202-502-

8163. 
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PIV Card Error Messages

Token Payload Error Message

Contact IT support to ensure that the certificate on your PIV card matches 

the profile on the laptop that you are using. IT support will assist you 

through the processes and inform you of the steps that you need to take 

to resolve the problem.

PIV Card is locked or blocked message

Go to the US Access facilities located on the first floor of the FERC 

building. This message means that something is wrong with your PIV 

certificate (e.g, expired, locked out). Once the US Access facility makes 

the necessary corrections to your card, contact IT support to make your 

new certificate matches with the profile of your laptop.