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BOL Proxy Server Frequently Asked Questions

Proxy server settings can be found here.

BOL Proxy Server

  • Why do I need to use the BOL proxy server?

    Many of the online resources that UCLA offers are restricted due to licensing agreements and/or security reasons. In order to access these services, your computer must be connected to the UCLA network. The BOL proxy server allows valid off campus users the ability to connect to the UCLA network, regardless of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) they use.

  • What do I use for username and password?

    Your UCLA Logon ID, the first part of your UCLA email address, is your username. The password is your UCLA Logon ID password, which is the same one that you use to retrieve your BOL email. If you are having password problems or do not remember your password, please see the password information page at http://www.bol.ucla.edu/services/accounts/info/password.html.

  • Who can use it?

    Only currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff of the University of California, Los Angeles who have valid Bruin OnLine accounts may access the BOL proxy server. The general public is not allowed access to resources through the proxy server.

  • Do I need to configure my browser each time I connect?

    No, this only requires a one-time setup on your web browser. If you follow the procedure to configure your web browser to use the BOL proxy server, you will simply be prompted for your Bruin OnLine username and password the first time you access restricted electronic resource in any given Internet session.

  • I connect using the BOL modem pool. Do I need to use the proxy server?

    No. The Bruin OnLine modem pool makes use of UCLA IP addresses. You have full access to UCLA resources as though you were on the campus backbone network.

  • Are there certain Internet Service Providers that don't permit me to use a proxy server?

    Yes. AOL users cannot use the AOL web browser to access any proxy server, including the BOL proxy server. However, you can use an external browser, such as Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer while connected online with AOL. You can download the most recent versions of these applications from our software website.

  • I have properly configured my Internet connection, but I still can't get access to UCLA restricted sites.

    Go back and make certain that you have followed all of the directions. Certain Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and corporations behind firewalls do not permit proxy configuration through their connection. If you are having trouble and are certain that your settings are all correct, contact your ISP or your local System Administrator to determine if there are restrictions for proxy configuration.

  • I still don't get it. Who can I contact with questions?

    You can call the Bruin Online Help Desk at 267-HELP (4357), Option 1, or email us at consult@ucla.edu, or stop by our office at Kerckhoff Hall, Suite 124.

  • How does a proxy server work?

    A proxy server acts as an agent on behalf of your computer (the client) and the restricted server (such as Melvyl, California Digital Library, or other restricted UCLA web sites). In other words, a proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and computers residing on campus. When you log into your Internet Service Provider and you want to send data to a UCLA server that is proxied, all data must be sent via the proxy gateway. If you would like more information, please check out our diagram of how the proxy server works.

  • Will all my web traffic go through the proxy server? Won't this slow things down?

    To lessen the load on the proxy server, only those websites that require a request to originate from a UCLA campus computer will access the proxy server. This is called an "Automatic Proxy" configuration.