How to set up L2TP over IPsec for iDRAC on Mac OS X

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

Configure VPN connection

1. Go to System Settings → Network
2. Click Add VPN Configuration → L2TP over IPSec

3. In the opened window, enter the following details:
   • Connection name (e.g. iDRAC VPN)
   • Login credentials obtained from the Customer Portal:
     • VPN server: server address
     • Login: account name
     • Password: password
     • Shared Secret: shared secret

4. Click Create
5. Enable the toggle switch to connect to the newly created VPN:

6. Once the VPN connection is established, add the necessary routes by executing the following command in the Terminal:

   sudo route -n add 198.18.0.0/15 -interface ppp0  
   sudo route -n add 100.64.0.0/15 -interface ppp0

   Note: this command must be executed each time you connect to the VPN.

7. To simplify this process, you can create a bash alias. To add a bash alias:

   • Add the following line at the end of the ~/.bash_profile file:

     alias drac='sudo route -n add 198.18.0.0/15 -interface ppp0 ; sudo route -n add 100.64.0.0/15 -interface ppp0'

   • Apply the changes:

     source ~/.bash_profile

Now, you can simply run the drac command to add the required route.

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