In some cases, setting up the VPN connection with conventional software (WatchGuard VPN Client) might not be possible. This guide describes setting up the VPN using OpenVPN, which should work in all cases.
OpenVPN Download
First, download an OpenVPN client and install it.
Because OpenVPN is open-source software, there are many options available for each operating system, and it is already integrated into many operating systems.
Set up OpenVPN
To use OpenVPN on your device, the appropriate profile must be configured.
- Enter your HWR username and the corresponding password, then click Login.
- Under Mobile VPN with SSL client Profile, click on Download.
On this page, you will find both the WatchGuard Client for Windows and Mac as well as the “Mobile VPN with SSL client profile”:
- By downloading, you save the file client.ovpn.
- Now follow the instructions on openvpn.net to import the downloaded profile.
Establish an OpenVPN connection
Launch the OpenVPN client software. Depending on your operating system, you will now have the option in the notification area or network settings, etc., to connect to the HWR VPN using the OpenVPN client.
If prompted for user credentials, use your HWR credentials as usual. You will typically be notified once the connection is successfully established.
After establishing the connection, you can connect to shared directories on servers where access via VPN is allowed (e.g., user.hwr-berlin.de/home). Already mapped directories, such as on an HWR laptop, should work without further configuration. If prompted again for login, use your HWR credentials.