Set up a VPN connection to the Curtin network (Linux)

Set up a VPN connection to the Curtin network (Linux)

A VPN is useful if you have some work that simply must be carried out on the Curtin network (e.g. accessing the script database).

Curtin IT provide a help page for setting up a VPN: http://cits.curtin.edu.au/staff/vpnclient.cfm

I found the following recipe to be most convenient from an Ubuntu workstation. You will need admin privileges (sudo) to complete the following.

Install a vpn client

vpnc is recommended for connecting to Cisco VPNs like that used by Curtin IT. On Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install vpnc

Create a VPN tunnel to the Curtin network

sudo vpnc --enable-1des

Then in response to the dialogue:

Enter IPSec gateway address: vpn.curtin.edu.au
Enter IPSec ID for vpn.curtin.edu.au: Curtin
Enter IPSec secret for Curtin@vpn.curtin.edu.au: Curtin
Enter username for vpn.curtin.edu.au: 123456A (Your Curtin Staff ID)
Enter password for 123456A@vpn.curtin.edu.au: Your Curtin (Oasis/email/etc.) password

Terminate the VPN

When you are finished:

sudo vpnc-disconnect