Skip to content

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:

  1. Navigate to the TTU VPN software page and download the VPN client according to your operating system. Inside the page you will find the TTU VPN assistance request form to request access.
  2. Under "Type of Assistance," select: Enable
  3. Provide the following justification: 
    Need TTUnet VPN to access REPACSS TTU Cluster
  4. Confirm that Microsoft MFA is active and functional

Windows Configuration

Installation

  1. Visit the TTU Software Distribution Portal
  2. Download the appropriate .msi file (32-bit or 64-bit)
  3. Execute the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
  4. Reboot if prompted

For more info please see IT Help Central's official document.

VPN Connection Procedure

  1. Launch the GlobalProtect application
  2. Enter the portal address: 
    vpn.ttu.edu
  3. Authenticate using TTU eRaider credentials and approve the MFA prompt
  4. Upon successful connection, status will display as Connected

macOS Configuration

Installation

  1. Download the GlobalProtect .pkg installer from TTU Software Distribution Portal
  2. Launch the installer and complete all prompts
  3. Grant required permissions if prompted by the operating system

VPN Connection Procedure

  1. Open GlobalProtect from the menu bar
  2. Enter the portal: 
    vpn.ttu.edu
  3. Authenticate using TTU eRaider credentials and Microsoft MFA
  4. 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

  1. Visit TTU Software Distribution Portal
  2. 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
  1. Input portal: 
    vpn.ttu.edu
  2. 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

Additional Resources