VPN with Networkmanager

This article shows you how to log into our VPN network without using the terminal. This method is by far more convenient and you also may find this helpful if you are not very familiar with command lines. We will use a VPN Plugin called network-manager.

Installation

Open up a terminal of your choice (Ctrl + T) and install OpenVPN Network Manager by typing the following line:

 sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Please enter your password to confirm the installation.

After the successful installation NetworkManager must be restartet:

 sudo service network-manager restart

Again, confirm with your password if necessary.

Getting Started

Menu in the top right corner in Ubuntu 14.04

Settings menu in Ubuntu 18.04

VPN Settings in Ubuntu 18.04

Advanced VPN Settings in Ubuntu 18.04

To get VPN access you must set up a new VPN connection first. Click on the two arrow symbol (or the WiFi symbol - depending on which connection you are currently using) in the top right corner.

Now choose VPN Connections -> Configure VPN....

A new window will open up.

Click on Add to add a new connection.

You will be asked for the connection type.

Choose OpenVPN and click on Create....

If in the top right corner the option VPN Connections does not exist, the open the normal settings and add a new openvpn connection in Network.

Next you need to edit and configure your connection. Choose any connection name (e.g. itp_openvpn).

For the Gateway type:

 vgw.itp.uni-frankfurt.de

(old gateway: vpn.itp.uni-frankfurt.de)

Under Authentication select Password as authentication type. Enter your user name and password and choose the CA Certificate 'private-ca-itp.crt'. It can be downloaded here.

The following is only valid for the old setup. The new setup uses the default 'tun' device.

Click on Advanced... and activate in the Genreal tab the option 'Set virtual device type' and choose 'TAP'. Click on Ok and in the other window Apply to save your changes.

Your new VPN connection will be listet in Network Connections.

Using a VPN Connection

To access a VPN network just click on the arrow or WiFi symbol on the top right corner. Your configured connection should be found under VPN Connections.