Installing and Using AnyConnect on Ubuntu Desktop using the User Interface

Objective

The objective of this article is to guide you through installing and using AnyConnect VPN Client v4.9.x on Ubuntu Desktop version 20.04 using the User Interface (UI).

Introduction

AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a modular endpoint software product. It not only provides Virtual Private Network (VPN) access through Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) Internet Key Exchange version2 (IKEv2) but also offers enhanced security through various built-in modules.

AnyConnect Software Version

• AnyConnect - v4.9.x (Download latest)

Table of Contents

• Installing AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.9.x
• Using AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.9.x

Installing AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.9.x

Beginner Information

This toggled section provides details and tips for beginners.

Prerequisites

• You need to purchase client license(s) from a partner like CDW or through your company's device procurement. There are options for 1 user (L-AC-PLS-3Y-S5) or packets of licenses including one year for 25 users (AC-PLS-P-25-S). Other license options available as well, including perpetual licenses. For more details on licensing, check out the links in the Licensing Information section below.
• Download the latest version of firmware available for your router.

  (Click here for step-by-step instructions on this process.)

• Ubuntu 20.04 (LTS), 18.04 (LTS), and 16.04 (LTS) .

Check these other articles out!

• Install AnyConnect on Windows
• Install AnyConnect on a Mac
• Installing and Using AnyConnect on Ubuntu Desktop

Applicable Devices | Software Version

• RV340 | 1.0.03.21 (Download latest)
• RV340W | 1.0.03.21 (Download latest)
• RV345 | 1.0.03.21 (Download latest)
• RV345P | 1.0.03.21 (Download latest)

Licensing Information

AnyConnect client licenses allow the use of the AnyConnect desktop clients as well as any of the AnyConnect mobile clients that are available. You will need a client license to download and use the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. A client license enables the VPN functionality and are sold in packs of 25 from partners like CDW or through your company's device procurement.

Want to know more about AnyConnect licensing? Here are some resources:

• AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Features, Licenses, and OSs, Release 4.10.
• Cisco RV340 Series and Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client Community Discussion Forum.
• AnyConnect Licensing FAQs.

Step 1

Open a web browser and navigate to the Cisco Software Downloads webpage.

Step 2

In the search bar, start typing 'Anyconnect' and the options will appear. Select AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.x.

Step 3

Download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client. Most users will select the AnyConnect Pre-Deployment Package (Linux 64-bit) option.

Step 4

Navigate to the folder where you have downloaded the AnyConnect Client Package.

Step 5

The initial download is a tarball archive (*.TAR, several files packed into one), which must be extracted. To extract the files, right- click on the AnyConnect archive and choose Open with Archive Manager. Click Extract.

Step 6

You will see a notification once the extraction is completed. Click Close.

Step 7

Locate the vpn_install.sh file in the extracted folder.

To run the AnyConnect install script, open a Linux Terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard.

Type ‘sudo ./vpn_install.sh’. This will begin the installation process. For more details on the ‘sudo’ command, click here.

Step 8

Accept the terms in the license agreement to complete the installation by typing ‘y’.

Using AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.9.x

Step 1

To access the AnyConnect app, click on the start icon (appears as nine dots on the lower left corner). Choose the Cisco Anyconnect app.

Alternatively, press Super+A (Super key is the windows icon key) on your keyboard to bring up the search bar. Start typing 'Anyconnect' and the app will appear.

Step 2

Click on the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client icon.

Step 3

Enter the IP Address or Hostname of your desired server followed by the port number.

Step 4

Enter your Username and Password in the fields provided. Click Connect.

Step 5

Some connections may not be secure using a trusted SSL certificate. By default, AnyConnect Client will block connection attempts to these servers.

Uncheck Block connections to untrusted servers under Preferences to connect to these servers.

Step 6

As soon as the connection is established, the login Banner will appear. Click Accept.

You will also see notification that the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is Connected.

Conclusion

There you have it! You have now successfully learned the steps to install and use the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.9.x on Ubuntu Desktop using the UI.

Additional Resources