How to Connect to the VPN on Ubuntu

The Morgridge VPN uses a free tool called openconnect, which lets you connect to the VPN from the terminal.

Install openconnect

Run this command once to install the software (you only need to do this the first time):

sudo apt install openconnect

Connect to the VPN

Run this command to start the VPN connection:

sudo openconnect vpn.morgridge.org

When prompted, enter the following:

Once you enter your credentials, open the DUO app and approve the push notification.

Disconnect from the VPN

In the terminal where openconnect is running, press CTRL+C to disconnect.

Important: The download link for this software only works if you already have VPN access on another machine. You must download the installer on a machine that already has VPN, then transfer the file to your Ubuntu machine (e.g. via email or shared drive) before installing.

Step 1 — Download the installer

On a machine that already has VPN access, download the Linux client from the VPN clients portal. The file name follows the format PanGPLinux*.tgz.

Transfer the downloaded file to your Ubuntu machine.

Step 2 — Extract the installer

Run this command to unpack the file (update the file name to match what you downloaded):

tar -xvf ~/pkgs/PanGPLinux-4.1.5-c8.tgz

Step 3 — Install the software

On Ubuntu or Debian, run one of these commands (use whichever matches your file name):

sudo dpkg -i GlobalProtect_deb-4.1.5.0-8.deb

or

sudo apt-get install GlobalProtect_deb-4.1.0.0-23.deb

Step 4 — Connect to the VPN

Run this command to connect to the WID VPN:

globalprotect connect --portal wid.vpn.wisc.edu

Enter your username and password when prompted. A successful connection looks like this:

Retrieving configuration...
Disconnected
portal:local:Enter login credentials
username: # Type username here
user1
Password: # Type password here
Retrieving configuration...
Discovering network...
Connecting...
Connected

Step 5 — Disconnect from the VPN

Run this command to disconnect:

globalprotect disconnect