Help with VPN problem using USB modem (smartphone)

[AussieM8]

Hi all

Hope someone can give me a solution for this problem or at least tell me why it may not be working.

I connect to work via a Cisco VPN client using 168-bit 3-DES encryption and HMAC-MD5 authentication. This works well using dial-up on the Dell laptop's internal modem or via wifi on my home network.

I am trying to find a solution where I can use my i-mate Sp5 as the dial-up modem or use my GPRS data plan to connect into the VPN. Essentially, this will give me mobile access to my work network.

Using Sp5 as DUM:
Unable to dial the remote PC ... just won't connect

Using GPRS Plan:
I've connected my Sp5 both with USB cable and Bluetooth and can successfully connect to the internet. But when I try and connect to the VPN using my Cisco client, it seems to be working fine until the last step which is "checking for secure connection" ... it fails on this step and I don't know what would cause that? When connected through bluetooth, I thought the problem was due to the wireless nature of the connection. But when connecting via USB cable, it's the same issue.


Any ideas?

[cwispy]

It could be any number of issues. You will probably need to be running some debug on the remote end to get an idea of where to start looking.

[alalli]

Good Day AussieM8,


Could you turn on logging on your VPN client.
The log files will show us how far you are getting in the VPN setup process and give us a clue as to where to look next.

thanks

[AussieM8]

Can't seem to turn on logging as many software options have been crippled by my employers security policy.

Anyone using a Cisco VPN client know where the log file would be?

[alalli]

Good Day Aussie,

I don't believe there will be a log file for the cisco vpn client unless you enable the logging feature. If that has been disabled, it might be worthwhile to have a chat to the IT department about getting it enabled for you.

I found a link on using logging with cisco vpn client.




If you are not able to get logging going at all, then I suggest you install Ethereal on your pc.

Close down all of the other programs then fire up ethereal and start a capture.

Start the vpn client and try to login to the remote network. You can use the capture file to see how far you are getting with the vpn setup.


regards,

a

[AussieM8]

Thanks for the link alalli .... I'll give that a try and report back

[AussieM8]

Success !!

I did a lot of reading from your link and tried a few options, and finally have had success.

Instead of connecting to GPRS first (ie. via the phone), I used the phone as a dial-up bluetooth modem, using the Optus dialup number *99#. Once I did this, the internet connection appeared and then I was able to connect to the VPN successfully.

Thank you everyone.

Cheers
AussieM8