Virtual Private Network (VPN): Advanced Instructions for Connecting to Secure Client via Command Line on Mac

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a mechanism for interacting with a computer operating system or software by typing commands to perform specific tasks, and is a valid way to use Secure Client. The CLI has a command parser that will aid you in connecting, disconnecting, and gathering statistics. For most, the Graphic User Interface (GUI) is preferred, and a simpler means of connecting, using the GUI to connect is outlined in Connect to Secure Client VPN.

File System Paths

The path, or unique location of, the Cisco Secure Client VPN for Mac OS X file system is /opt/cisco/secureclient.

Command Line Access

The command line interface (CLI) is available from a shell window. With the executable in the path, execute the client. The CLI has a command parser that will aid you in connecting, disconnecting, gathering statistics, etc. The CLI mode is not the preferred interface, but it is functional. The GUI interface is preferred.

  1. Change the directory to: /opt/cisco/secureclient/bin. If that directory is not in your $PATH environment variable, then you will need to insert "./" in front of the binary to indicate the current directory.
  2. Execute the client: vpn connect tc-vpn-1.vpn.umn.edu.
  3. You should see a numbered list of groups. The groups correspond to the departmental VPN groups. Select the number that corresponds to your desired group. In most cases, AnyConnect-UofMvpn will be the correct group.
  4. The default username is in square braces: [ ]. If it is correct, just press Return. If not, enter the correct information and press Return.
  5. Complete these fields:
    • Group: [AnyConnect-UofMvpn]
    • Username: YourInternetIDHere
    • Password: YourInternetPasswordHere
  6. Press Return.

When connected, you should see a VPN session established notice.

Export Log Files

Troubleshooting Logs

Export information from the VPN client to help locate and isolate a connection problem.

  1. From the Applications folder, click the Secure Client VPN icon to open the user interface. A new pane labeled Cisco Secure Client VPN Client will pop up.
  2. Click on the gear shaped icon lower left panel.
  3. Select the Statistics tab.
  4. Click the Export button.

The details contain:

  • VPN Statistics
  • Cryptography methods and transforms
  • Secured Routes (Routes sent via the crypto tunnel)
  • Operating System Revisions
  • Interface statistics via ifconfig-a
  • IPv4 Routing Table
  • IPv6 Routing Table

Session Logs

  1. From the Applications folder, click the Secure Client VPN icon to open the user interface. A new pane labeled Cisco Secure Client VPN Client will pop up.
  2. Select Connection log.

Event Logs

  1. From the Applications folder, select Utilities
  2. Select Console.

Additional Information

For additional assistance troubleshooting connections, contact Technology Help. 

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TDX ID

3928