How to set up L2TP over IPsec for iDRAC on Linux Fedora 24

This article explains step-by-step guides how to connect to iDRAC using a secure L2TP over IPsec VPN connection. It covers how to find your VPN credentials in the Customer Portal, installing the required packages, configure the VPN connection, and add the necessary routes to access the iDRAC network.

Temporary public access

Alternatively, if necessary, you can enable temporary public access to the iDRAC interface, allowing access without a VPN. This can be activated in the Customer Portal on the server details page under the OOB section by selecting Enable public access for 4 hours. Once activated, public access remains enabled for the next four hours, but can be manually disabled at any time.

For security reasons, VPN access remains the preferred method and should be used whenever possible.

Finding VPN credentials

Credentials and instructions for setting up a VPN connection to the OOB network are available in the Customer Portal. To access them:

1. Navigate to VPN access → VPN to DRAC section
2. Select the location and click Credentials
3. In the opened window, you will find the credentials

Installing required packages

1. Update the package information to retrieve the latest versions and dependencies:

   sudo dnf update

2. Install the required packages:

   sudo dnf install NetworkManager-l2tp NetworkManager-l2tp-gnome libreswan xl2tpd

3. Restart your system:

   sudo reboot

Configure VPN connection

1. Open Settings → Network and click the "+" symbol under the list of network connections
2. Choose VPN → Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
3. In the VPN connection settings, go to the Identity tab and enter the following details:
   • Name (e.g. VPN Test)
   • Login credentials obtained from the Customer Portal:
     • Gateway: VPN server
     • Username: login
     • Password: password
   • Click the user symbol in the password input field and select Store the password only for this user
4. In the same window, click IPsec Settings:
   • Tick Enable IPsec tunnel to L2TP host
   • Enter the Pre-shared key (use the shared secret from the Customer Portal)
   • Leave the rest of the fields blank
5. Go to the IPv4 tab and scroll down to the Routes section:
   • Add the following routes by clicking the "+" button: 198.18.0.0 and 100.64.0.0
   • Click Add to save the connection
6. Turn on your VPN connection Once the VPN connection is established, you can access your iDRAC using the IP address specified on the server's details page in the Customer Portal.

Finding iDRAC credentials

The IP address and credentials for an individual server's iDRAC interface can be found in the Customer Portal:

1. Navigate to Enterprise Bare Metal and select your server from the list
2. Scroll down to the OOB section and click Credentials