Ubuntu – How to have the VPN connect automatically when the wireless connects

network-managervpn

I have a working VPN connection using NetworkManager, OpenConnect, and the network-manager-openconnect-gnome package, but I have to start it manually every time I connect to a network, and I have to enter my password manually each time.

How can I get it to connect automatically, and remember my password (securely)?

I have checked the 'Connect Automatically' box on the Configure VPN page, but this seems to have no effect. I've also got the 'Start connecting automatically' box checked in the pop-up box, and that does avoid the need to press the connect button in that window, but seems to have no part in kicking off the whole process in the first place. There is no option to remember the password in the window, but maybe there's one somewhere else?

Best Answer

When setting up a VPN connection through Network Manager selecting the Connect automatically option should mean that the VPN does automatically connect, however this isn't working due to a bug: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/network-manager/+bug/280571

It can still achieved though through workarounds, one way of doing this would be to use vpnautoconnect

  • Set up your VPN as normal through the network settings, making sure that Connect automatically is selected:

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  • Select Preferences from the VPNautoconnect menu

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  • Click the small arrow to create a new tab and select your wireless connection in the Parent Connection drop down menu, and your VPN in the VPN Connection drop down menu. Then click Save

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Your VPN should now connect automatically whenever the selected wireless network is connected (if you use more than one wireless network you'll need to create a new tab in the preferences menu for each one you want to auto connect to a VPN whilst you are using).

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