How to use Wi-Fi network and VPN with Linux computers

To use a VPN client on Linux there is a variety of possibilities, that is to say to use proprietary software (1st and 2nd option) as well as open source software (3rd, 4th and 5th option). At the majority of the popular distributions those packages can simply be added via the graphical user interface. At some distributions the appropriate packages are available directly after installation, which can be configured immediately after that.

1. Use of the VPN AnyConnect client

On Linux you can also use the cross platform VPN AnyConnect client. The procedure is identical to the procedure on Windows.

2. Use of the Cisco VPN client

At first you need to download the Cisco VPN client at www.goemobile.de/files/vpnclient-linux.tar.gz. Those *tar.gz files are archive files which need to be unpacked first. Additionally you need the following packages from build-essential and linux-headers-generic repositories. Now the VPN client needs to be compiled. Change into the directory of the unpacked files and edit them in the terminal with root privileges. Here you can start the installation script ./vpn_install. The installation wizard takes over the rest.

3. VPNC on Gnome

Of course it appears to be reasonable to install a VPN connection in the Network Manager of the graphical user interface, also because this alternatives are open source software. For this you need the package network-manager-vpnc from the repositories. After that you can establish a new VPN connection in the Network Manager. The name of the connection is optional (e. g. GoeMobile), the gateway is 134.76.22.1, group name and password are „goemobile“. Now the VPN connection is available.

4. OpenConnect

You also can use OpenConnect. In doing so, you need the package „openconnect“ from the repositories. After that you can install a new OpenConnect connection in the Network Manager. The name of the connection is optional (e. g. GoeMobile), the gateway is 134.76.22.1.

5. KVpnc under KDE

There is an appropriate and open source software alternative for users of KDE as well. For this you need the packet vpnc and kvpnc from the repositories. After that you can find KVpnc in the network manager where a new profile has to be created. Of course this type of VPN is „Cisco (free)“, because we need to enter the data manually. Here IPSec-ID and group password are both „goemobile“. In every case the connection check has to be disabled. Then in „general settings“ choose an optional name for the connection (e. g. GoeMobile) and set the gateway as 134.76.22.1. The last configuration has to be made under „manage profile“ at the subitem „interconnection specifications“ under Cisco by changing the „Cisco-NAT_Mode“ to „cisco-udp“. Now the VPN connection is available.

tag>wi-fi network vpn linux ubuntu openconnect gnome kde wireless lan