Using OPENCONNECT to connect to the University's VPN service

This guide illustrates how to use Openconnect along with the Network Manager that is part of GNOME. This guide was written using Ubuntu 12.04 using Unity, however I have also included GNOME instructions. Please note that these are how GNOME works on Ubuntu 12.04, other distrubtions and versions may, and probably will vary. If you are unsure on what you are using, if you are using Ubuntu 11.04 or before, then it is GNOME 2, and later it is Unity, unless you have expecitally changed it.

1) Installing Required Packages

You need to install the following packages (and their dependancies) in order to establish a connection.

Ensure that any system settings screens relating to networking have been closed down and then open a terminal and type:

sudo apt-get install network-manager-openconnect openconnect

2) Setting up the VPN Connection

Open up Network Connections.

On Unity, go to System Settings --> Network.
On GNOME 2, go to Applications --> System Tools --> Network Connections
On GNOME 3, go to Activites --> Applications --> System Settings --> Network

Then:

On Unity/GNOME 3: Click on the + icon the bottom left of the window. Ensure interface VPN and click Create...
On GNOME2: Click on VPN tab, then click Add

Then:

In Choose a VPN Connection type ensure Cisco AnyConnect Compatible VPN (openconnect) is selected then click Create...

Then set the settings for the service as below:

Connection name: Oxford
General --> Gateway : vpn.ox.ac.uk
Click Save

You do not need to change any of the other settings or provide other details.

3) Establishing a VPN session

Click on the Networking Icon on the top bar which is an Up and Down arrow.

Click on VPN Connections --> Oxford

Click on the small connect icon which is to the right of where it says VPN host: vpn ox.ac.uk

Enter your remote access username and remote access password into the username and password boxes.

This will then establish a session..