Information Technology at Purdue

Linux Installation Instructions

I. Download Software

PAL client software for Linux is available at http://www.itap.purdue.edu/connections/vpn/software/vpnclient-linux-x86_64-4.8.00.0490-k9.tar.gz.

II. Extract Program Files

To extract the installation files to a directory, type the following command:

tar -xzvf vpnclient-linux-4.7.00.0640-k9.tar.gz

A directory called 'vpnclient' will be created in your current directory.

III. Install VPN Client

*Note - You must have your kernel sources installed in order to setup the vpn client.

Type cd vpnclient to move into the proper directory. Launch the install program by typing ./vpn_install. You will now be asked a series of questions regarding where you want the software installed, whether or not to activate the client at boot, and the directory where your kernel sources are installed. After answering the questions, the install script will compile a cisco_ipsec module.

IV. Starting the VPN Client

Once the vpnclient software has been installed, you will need to activate the vpnclient by typing /etc/init.d/vpnclient_init start. This will load the cisco_ipsec kernel module.

V. Connecting to PAL

To establish a wireless network connection, type vpnclient connect Purdue. This will start the client and you will be prompted for your Purdue Career Account username and password. Once authenticated, you can browse the Internet just like you would on any wired computer.

VI. Using the VPN Client

To put the VPN Client process in the background, type ctrl-z.

To disconnect from the VPN, you can either kill the process manually or type vpnclient disconnect.

For other options, simply type vpnclient and a list of commands will be displayed.