configuring cisco VPN

michaelerule · 01-25-2009, 10:45 AM

Previous threads along similar lines have not been resolved, so I can't expect much :

After a few days of hassle I have been able to compile and start Cisco VPN client software on my machine ( ubuntu 2.6.27-9-generic ). I have not been able to find any documentation on how to configure it however.

I have a .p12 file from the host service. I have also been provided with set up tutorials using a wizard for both macOSX and Windows, but these are of course useless ( though I suppose, I will need to figure out how to translate each of the fields in these setup wizards to some setting in Linux )

I absolutely need to get this VPN connection running on linux, but I'm not sure its even possible. The host network is incompatible with other open source VPN solutions.

Any pointers anyone can find would be greatly appreciated. I have already searched for solutions via Google for many hours to no avail.

And a very special thank you Cisco for wasting days of my time.

--mrule.

Tinkster · 01-25-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi,

welcome to LQ!

It's been several years that I last used the CISCO VPN client software,
but I do recall that it came with a README that explains how to set-up
a config file in a pretty simple and concise manner. I wouldn't think
that this has changed since ... have a look around in the directory
where you untared it ...

Cheers,
Tink

homey · 01-25-2009, 02:23 PM

Here's my notes for using Fedora to connect to work vpn.

Code:

I use rdesktop to connect to Windows boxes at work.
I use VNC Viewer to connect to Linux boxes at work.

# Install some goodies as root user
yum install vpnc rdesktop vnc
updatedb

# Start the vpn connection with the command: vpnc
# At the command line, enter the vpn information

Enter IPSec gateway address: 123.123.123.123
Enter IPSec ID for 123.123.123.123: Workplace_Cisco_Router_ID
Enter IPSec secret for Workplace_Cisco_Router_ID@123.123.123.123: Workplace_Cisco_Router_Password
Enter username for 123.123.123.123: My_Cisco_ID
Enter password for My_Cisco_ID@123.123.123.123: My_Cisco_Password

# Save yourself some typing by putting that info into your personal config file
# Start the connection with the command: vpnc ./myconnection.conf

IPSec gateway 123.123.123.123
IPSec ID Workplace_Cisco_Router_ID
IPSec secret Workplace_Cisco_Router_Password
Xauth username My_Cisco_ID
Xauth password My_Cisco_Password

# You could also add the information to the /etc/vpnc.default.conf
# and use the command as root user: vpnc

# Connect to the remote desktop using the fully qualified domain name or ip address
  rdesktop -u Me_at_work -k en-us -g 1024x768 Mydesk.work.com
  rdesktop -u Me_at_work -k en-us -g 1024x768 23.0.0.123

# Exit vpn when you are done
vpnc-disconnect