Signal Theory and Communications Department

VPN Configuration

VPN Configuration (Signal Theory and Communications Department)

This guide provides instructions for configuring and using the TSC VPN service.

IMPORTANT To use the Signal Theory and Communications Department (TSC) VPN, you must be affiliated with the department. If you are not affiliated, please use UPClink.

Table of Contents

  1. General Information
  2. Windows Installation
  3. Linux Installation
  4. macOS Installation
  5. Android Installation
  6. iOS Installation
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  8. Support

General Information

The VPN service provides a secure, encrypted connection to the TSC network from external locations. All authorized TSC users can use this service without prior request.

Required Resource: You will need the vpntscv4.ovpn configuration file. Please ensure you have downloaded it before proceeding with the installation steps below.

Windows Installation

1. Software Installation

  1. Download the OpenVPN software corresponding to your system (usually amd64).
  2. Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator to begin installation.

2. Configuration

  1. Locate your downloaded vpntscv4.ovpn configuration file.
  2. Copy it to the OpenVPN configuration directory. Depending on your system language, this is typically:
    • C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config
    • C:\Arxius de programa\OpenVPN\config
    • C:\Archivos de Programa\OpenVPN\config

3. Usage

  1. Right-click the OpenVPN icon in the system tray (bottom bar) and select Connect, or double-click the icon.
  2. Log in using your TSC department credentials (username and password).

Linux Installation

1. Software Installation

Open a terminal and install the required packages.

For Debian-based systems:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install network-manager network-manager-openvpn ovenvpn

2. Configuration

Add connection to NetworkManager. You may need to enable NetworkManager.service (for systemd sudo systemctl enable --now NetworkManager.service) 

mv vpntscv4.ovpn /path/to/file
nmcli connection import type openvpn file /path/to/file
nmcli connection modify vpntscv4 vpn.user-name <username>
nmcli connection modify vpntscv4 vpn.secrets password=<password> # to skip password prompt in the future (don't forget to clear shell history), may not work in some systems

3. Usage

Either via graphical interface or

nmcli connection up vpntscv4 --ask

macOS Installation

1. Software Installation

  1. Download the latest stable version of Tunnelblick.
  2. Double-click the downloaded .dmg file and follow the instructions to install.
  3. You will need to enter your Mac’s administrator password to complete the installation.

2. Configuration

  1. Launch Tunnelblick.
  2. If it reports no configuration is installed, select the option indicating you have a configuration file.
  3. Drag and drop the vpntscv4.ovpn file onto the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar.
  4. You should see a confirmation message: Tunnelblick successfully installed one configuration.

3. Usage

  1. Click the Tunnelblick icon in the top-right menu bar and select Connect.
  2. Enter your TSC department credentials when prompted.
  3. Note: You may see warnings about IP addresses not changing or future compatibility. These are generally normal and can be safely ignored.

Android Installation

1. Software Installation

Install “OpenVPN for Android” from one of these sources: - Google Play Store - Direct APK Download

2. Configuration & Usage

  1. Open the app and tap the Folder icon to import a profile.
  2. Select your vpntscv4.ovpn file.
  3. Tap the newly created vpntscv4 profile to connect.
  4. Enter your TSC department credentials when prompted.

iOS Installation

1. Software Installation

Install OpenVPN Connect from the App Store.

2. Configuration & Usage

  1. Download the vpntscv4.ovpn file to your device.
  2. Open the Files app, go to Downloads, and select the file.
  3. Tap the Share button (bottom-left) and select the OpenVPN app.
  4. In the OpenVPN app, tap Add.
  5. Enter a profile name and your TSC username, then tap Add (top-right).
  6. Toggle the switch to connect and enter your password.

FAQ

Q: What is the VPN Remote Access service?
A: It allows a secure connection to the department’s network over the Internet, ensuring privacy and protecting UPC information systems.

Q: How does it work?
A: It uses an encrypted channel between your computer and the VPN server. You authenticate using your username and password to establish this secure tunnel.

Q: What access do I get?
A: You will have access to internal systems and services as if you were physically located within the department.

Q: (Linux) Do I need specific kernel options?
A: Your kernel must support the TUN/TAP driver (Universal TUN/TAP device driver support).

Q: (Windows) I get an “Error opening logfile for writing” message.
A: This usually means you lack sufficient permissions. Ensure you are running OpenVPN as an Administrator.

Support

If you encounter problems during installation or use: 1. Consult the FAQ section above. 2. Contact the technical support team via email: sitsc@tsc.upc.edu