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Regional Computing Centre (RRZK)

Linux alternative for advanced users: vpnc

In some cases the vpn software with graphical user interface might not work properly e.g. via Cisco AnyConnect or OpenConnect. If you are familiar with the shell, you might try vpnc.

  1. Install the vpnc-package from the software repository by using the correspondong commands e.g. 
                sudo apt install vpnc

    (Debian/Ubuntu) 

                sudo yum install vpnc

    (RedHat/Fedora)
     

  2. Create a config file "/etc/vpnc/uni.conf". You will need to be root/superuser to write in /etc/ in most cases.The conf-file should contain: 
       IPSec gateway vpngate.uni-koeln.de
    IPSec ID uklan-full
    IPSec secret uklan
    Xauth username YourAccountname
    Xauth password YourPassword

  3. To establish the connection use  
       sudo vpnc-connect uni

  4. To disconnect use 
       sudo vpnc-disconnect

If you don't want to save your username or password on your device, just omit both Xauth lines completely, you will then be prompted for those data each time you connect.

Contact
If you have any questions or problems, please contact the RRZK-Helpdesk