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OpenVPN client installing instructions


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Using OpenVPN client for remote connections of the university or Oamk services requires you to perform the following prior actions:

  1. First, create an eduvpn profile file. Instruction for the university: Eduvpn profile creating (UO) and for OAMK: Eduvpn profile creating (OAMK)
  2. Download the profile file to your computer, e.g. Download folder.
  3. If your own device does not have OpenVPN client, install it according to the instructions on this page. NOTE: The client is already installed on all university staff UNIV computers.
  4. Import your profile file to OpenVPN client.

As an alternative to OpenVPN, you can use FortiClient, which does not need the eduvpn profile.

Contents of this instruction:

Windows: Installing OpenVPN Connect client and importing the profile file

1. Load and install OpenVPN Connect on your own device

  • In case of  Oamk device maintained by ICT Services, install the client from Software Center.
  • In case of  university device (e.g. UNIV or STUDENT computer), the client is likely already installed on the device. If not, then install it from Software Center.
  • In case of  your home computer or some other Windows device, act this way:

2. Import the profile file to OpenVPN Connect

  • Use OpenVPN Connect shortcut to open the application.
  • You have already created and loaded the eduvpn profile file. Now import it into application: Import Profile > File > Browse. Browse and select the newest eduvpn file created by you or use the mouse to drag and drop the file.
  • Choose Connect after import and click Add. VPN connection opens now.
  • When not using the connection, close it with the green slide button in the OpenVPN Connect window. With the same button, you can turn on and off the VPN connection when needed.

Linux: Installing OpenVPN Connect client and importing the profile file

1. Install OpenVPN

  • Fedora, CentOS, RHEL: sudo yum install NetworkManager-openvpn NetworkManager-openvpn-gnome openvpn
  • Ubuntu: sudo sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome openvpn

2. Import the profile file to NetworkManager

  • Use graphical tools to import the eduvpn file or type the command: nmcli connection import type openvpn file Downloads/eduvpn.ovpn

3. Open the connection

  • Use graphical tools or type the command: nmcli connection up eduvpn

Mac: Installing OpenVPN Tunnelblick and importing the profile file

1. Load and install OpenVPN Tunnelblick

2. Import the profile to Tunnelblick

  • Click Tunnelblick icon in the status bar at the top of your screen and choose VPN Details.
  • Drag and drop the eduvpn profile file downloaded by you earlier to Tunnelblick in Configurations column.
  • Start VPN connection by clicking Connect and quit the connection by clicking Disconnect.

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