CUHK CSE VPN Linux Guide

cuhk-cse-vpn-linux-guide.md

The CUHK CSE VPN Linux Guide

The CUHK CSE page for the VPN doesn't have the best tutorial for Linux. In fact, they have none.

After a few hours combined of messing around, I have figured it out, and I'm sharing it with everyone in case you're also stuck.

This guide uses OpenVPN 3 as the client. If you want to use IPsec instead, use the scripts made by some former CSE students.

• carsonip/cuhk-cse-vpn-ubuntu-scripts
• cftong/cuhk-cse-vpn-ArchLinux-scripts

Do note that those scripts are 8 years old (at the time of writing) and I have not tested them, so good luck! Still want to use OpenVPN 3? Cool.

My Laptop

It runs Endeavour OS, but the solution should be similar for all distros.

Step 1: Get your .ovpn config file

1. Go to https://openvpn.cse.cuhk.edu.hk
2. Login with your CSE VPN account.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Yourself (locked something something)".
4. The .ovpn file will be downloaded.

Step 2: Install the stuff

Install openvpn3 for your distro.

An Arch Linux example:

yay -S openvpn3

Alternative

If you are using KDE Plasma as your desktop environment, you can just use Plasma's integration.

1. Open "System Settings".
2. Go to "Network" -> "Connections".
3. Click "Add new connection" (the + symbol).
4. Scroll down and choose "Import VPN connection".
5. Choose your downloaded .ovpn file.
6. Put your CSE account details into the "Username" and "Password" fields.

Step 3: Connecting

openvpn3 session-start --config path/to/client.ovpn

Then login with your CSE account.
Or, if you are using the KDE Plasma way, just click "Connect" in the network applet.

Congratulations! You're now using the CSE VPN!