VPN Setup Guide for REPACSS¶
This document outlines the procedure for configuring and utilizing the GlobalProtect VPN client to securely access the REPACSS high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure at Texas Tech University (TTU).
Overview¶
All users must establish a secure network connection via TTU’s GlobalProtect VPN to access REPACSS (repacss.ttu.edu
). VPN access requires:
- Use of the portal address
vpn.ttu.edu
- Authentication through a valid TTU eRaider account
- An active Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) configuration
This guide provides setup instructions for the following operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows
- Apple macOS
- GNU/Linux distributions
Step 1: Request VPN Access¶
Prior to installing the VPN client, users must formally request access:
- Navigate to the TTU VPN Access Request Form and make sure you are signed-in to see the form.
- Under "Type of Assistance," select:
Enable
- Provide the following justification:
Need TTUnet VPN to access REPACSS TTU Cluster
- Confirm that Microsoft MFA is active and functional
Windows Configuration¶
Installation¶
- Visit the TTU Software Distribution Portal
- Download the appropriate
.msi
file (32-bit or 64-bit) - Execute the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
- Reboot if prompted
For more info please see IT Help Central's official document.
VPN Connection Procedure¶
- Launch the GlobalProtect application
- Enter the portal address:
vpn.ttu.edu
- Authenticate using TTU eRaider credentials and approve the MFA prompt
- Upon successful connection, status will display as Connected
macOS Configuration¶
Installation¶
- Download the GlobalProtect
.pkg
installer from TTU Software Distribution Portal - Launch the installer and complete all prompts
- Grant required permissions if prompted by the operating system
VPN Connection Procedure¶
- Open GlobalProtect from the menu bar
- Enter the portal:
vpn.ttu.edu
- Authenticate using TTU eRaider credentials and Microsoft MFA
- Confirm connection status in the application interface
For more info please see IT Help Central's official document.
Linux Configuration¶
Prerequisites (Ubuntu/Debian)¶
Install system dependencies:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install libc6 libstdc++6 libpam0g libx11-6 libxcb1 \
libxcomposite1 libxcursor1 libxdamage1 libxext6 libxfixes3 libxi6 \
libxrandr2 libxrender1 libxtst6 libnss3 libgtk-3-0
Installation¶
- Visit TTU Software Distribution Portal
- Download the appropriate
.deb
or.rpm
package
Install the package:
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dpkg -i GlobalProtect_<version>_amd64.deb
RHEL/CentOS
sudo rpm -i GlobalProtect_<version>_x86_64.rpm
For more info please see IT Help Central's official document.
VPN Connection Procedure¶
Launch the client UI:
globalprotect launch-ui
- Input portal:
vpn.ttu.edu
- Authenticate using your TTU eRaider credentials and MFA
Verify connection status:
globalprotect show --status
Expected output:
Status: Connected
Disconnecting from VPN¶
Windows/macOS:
Click the GlobalProtect icon and select Disconnect
Linux:
globalprotect disconnect
Troubleshooting¶
Authentication Issues¶
- Verify username and MFA credentials
- Attempt login in a private browser session
- Clear stored cookies and cached credentials
Connection Errors¶
- Confirm the portal address is correct:
vpn.ttu.edu
- Restart GlobalProtect and your device
- Ensure firewall settings permit VPN traffic
Installation Failures¶
- Ensure administrative privileges are granted
- Validate that system requirements are met
- Re-download installer from official TTU source