AnyConnect can be used to get corporate access for users, from all corners of the world, in a safe manner. This means that it's easy to access emails, virtual apps, or anything remotely accessible. Please keep in mind that it's used by Cisco headend customers with active Plus, Apex or VPN licenses.
- VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN. Windows and Mac OS X platforms, and should be trivially portable to any other platform supporting TUN/TAP.
- † Allow AnyConnect Session from an RDP Session for Windows Users, page 3-63 † AnyConnect over L2TP or PPTP, page 3-64 Configuring and Deploying the AnyConnect Client Profile An AnyConnect client profile is an XML file cached to the endpoint file system. The client parameters.
- Clients and VMs and VPNs, Oh My! As regular readers of this blog may be aware, I recently hung up my technical evangelist hat, and made the jump back into full-time consulting. Consistent with best practices, I decided that when working with a new client, the best course of action would be to set up Continue reading Cisco AnyConnect and Hyper-V – Connect to a VPN from Inside a VM Session.
- Cisco AnyConnect Mobile VPN Client ActiveSync Installer The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client is the next-generation VPN client, providing remote users with secure VPN connections to the Cisco 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliance running ASA version 8.0 and higher or ASDM 6.0 and higher. It is a very useful tool, easy to manipulate.
For additional information, refer to the AnyConnect configuration guide.
Client Download
Unlike the ASA, the MX does not support web deploy or web launch, a feature that allows end users to access a web page on the AnyConnect server to download the AnyConnect client. With the MX, there are download links to the client software on the AnyConnect settings page on the dashboard, however, the download links are only available to the Meraki dashboard admin and not the end user. We do not recommend sharing the down link with users as the link expires after every five minutes of loading the AnyConnect settings page.
We recommend downloading the AnyConnect client directly from Cisco.com as there may be an updated version in the Cisco repository. Refer to the doc for the AnyConnect clientrelease notes. We also recommend using either Meraki Systems Manager, an equivalent MDM solution, or Active Directory to seamlessly push the AnyConnect software client to the end user's device.
AnyConnect requires a VPN client to be installed on a client device. The AnyConnect client for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are available on the Client Connection section of the AnyConnect configuration page on the dashboard and can be downloaded by a Meraki dashboard administrator. Please note, the download links on the Meraki dashboard expire after five minutes. The AnyConnect client for mobile devices can be downloaded via the respective mobile stores. You can also download other versions (must be version 4.8 or higher) of the AnyConnect client from Cisco.com if you have an existing AnyConnect license. AnyConnect web deploy is not supported on the MX at this time.
- Installing the AnyConnect client
- You only need the VPN box checked. Once the client has been installed on the device, open the AnyConnect application and specify the hostname or IP address of the MX (AnyConnect server) you need to connect to.
AnyConnect Profiles
An AnyConnect profile is a crucial piece for ensuring easy configuration of the AnyConnect client software, once installed. The MX does not support the use of custom hostnames for certificates (e.g. vpn.xyz.com). The MX only supports use of the Meraki DDNS hostname for auto-enrollment and use on the MX. With the Meraki DDNS hostname (e.g. mx450-xyuhsygsvge.dynamic-m.com) not as simply as a custom hostname, the need for AnyConnect profiles cannot be overemphasized. Profiles can be used to create hostname aliases, thereby masking the Meraki DDNS with a friendly name for the end user.
Cisco AnyConnect client features are enabled in AnyConnect profiles. These profiles can contain configuration settings like server list, backup server list, authentication time out, etc., for client VPN functionality, in addition to other optional client modules like Network Access Manager, ISE posture, customer experience feedback, and web security. It is important to note that at this time, the Meraki MX does not support other optional client modules that require AnyConnect head-end support. For more details, see AnyConnect profiles.
When a profile is created, it needs to get pushed to the end user's device. There are three ways to do this.
1. Through the AnyConnect server (MX): If profiles are configured on the dashboard, the MX will push the configured profile to the user's device after successful authentication.
2. Through an MDM solution: Systems Manager, an equivalent MDM solution, or Active Directory can be used push files to specific destinations on the end user's device. Profiles can also be pushed to the following paths:
Windows
%ProgramData%CiscoCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility ClientProfile
Mac OS X
/opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile
Linux
/opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile
3. Manually: Profiles can also be preloaded manually to the same paths as listed above.
How to Create a Profile
Anyconnect Portable Printer
Profiles can be created using the AnyConnect profile editor. The profile editor can be downloaded from the AnyConnect Settings page on dashboard or on cisco.com. Refer to this link for more details on AnyConnect profiles.
Using the profile editor: The profile editor can be downloaded from the AnyConnect Settings page on dashboard or on Cisco.com. The profile editor only runs on Windows operating systems. The screenshot below shows a configured server ton the Server List Entry option.
When configuration is complete, save the profile. It is recommended to use a unique file name to avoid profile overrides by other AnyConnect servers, then you can upload the file to the profile update section on the AnyConnect settings page.
Please note that only VPN profiles are supported on the MX at this time. This means you cannot push NVM, NAM, or Umbrella profiles via the MX.
- Select enable profiles, upload your xml file, and save your configuration
- After a user successfully authenticates, the configured profile gets pushed to the user's device automatically
- The result of the .xml can be seen below, after successful authentication to the AnyConnect server; this gives users the ease of selecting VPN servers on the AnyConnect client
The Meraki DDNS hostname is not easy to remember, therefore end users are not expected to use it directly. Profiles should be used to make connecting to the AnyConnect server easy for end users.
The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client is a web-based VPN client that does not require user configuration. Use Cisco AnyConnect VPN to securely access the Student Information System (SIS) and other IT administration systems VPN, also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of accessing USC computing resources.
This page provides instructions on how to download, install, and connect to the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client from mobile devices that runs the Android operating system.
Note: Due to the many different types of Android devices, not every Android-based device will work in the same way. ITS is not able to guarantee that these instructions will work on every Android device (4.0 and later). This documentation was created using Android 4.2.2 on a Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Anyconnect Portable Printer
Installing and Configuring the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
To install and configure the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client on an Internet-connected Android device:
- Download and install the AnyConnect ICS+ client from the Google Play Store.
- Once the app has finished installing, select Open to launch the application.
- On the next screen, click OK to accept the license agreement.
- To configure your USC VPN connection, tap Connection.
- On the Advanced Preferences screen, tap Add New VPN Connection.
- On the Connection Editor screen, fill in the following information:
- In the Description field, type USC.
- In the Server Address field, type sslvpn2.usc.edu and then tap Done.
Connecting to VPN
Once you have configured your USC VPN connection, you will need to take the following steps every time you want to connect to VPN:
- Choose the appropriate VPN Group Authentication Profile for your location from the Group pull-down menu. For information describing each of these authentication profiles, please see the VPN Frequently Asked Questions page.
- In the Username field, enter your USC NetID username. Your USC NetID username and password are the username and password you use to connect to services such as my.usc.edu and Workday.
- In the Password field, enter your USC NetID password.
- Tap Next.
NOTE: The first time you connect, you will be asked to trust the application. Check the box next to I trust this application. to accept this and connect to VPN.
AnyConnect requires a VPN client to be installed on a client device. The AnyConnect client for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are available on the Client Connection section of the AnyConnect configuration page on the dashboard and can be downloaded by a Meraki dashboard administrator. Please note, the download links on the Meraki dashboard expire after five minutes. The AnyConnect client for mobile devices can be downloaded via the respective mobile stores. You can also download other versions (must be version 4.8 or higher) of the AnyConnect client from Cisco.com if you have an existing AnyConnect license. AnyConnect web deploy is not supported on the MX at this time.
- Installing the AnyConnect client
- You only need the VPN box checked. Once the client has been installed on the device, open the AnyConnect application and specify the hostname or IP address of the MX (AnyConnect server) you need to connect to.
AnyConnect Profiles
An AnyConnect profile is a crucial piece for ensuring easy configuration of the AnyConnect client software, once installed. The MX does not support the use of custom hostnames for certificates (e.g. vpn.xyz.com). The MX only supports use of the Meraki DDNS hostname for auto-enrollment and use on the MX. With the Meraki DDNS hostname (e.g. mx450-xyuhsygsvge.dynamic-m.com) not as simply as a custom hostname, the need for AnyConnect profiles cannot be overemphasized. Profiles can be used to create hostname aliases, thereby masking the Meraki DDNS with a friendly name for the end user.
Cisco AnyConnect client features are enabled in AnyConnect profiles. These profiles can contain configuration settings like server list, backup server list, authentication time out, etc., for client VPN functionality, in addition to other optional client modules like Network Access Manager, ISE posture, customer experience feedback, and web security. It is important to note that at this time, the Meraki MX does not support other optional client modules that require AnyConnect head-end support. For more details, see AnyConnect profiles.
When a profile is created, it needs to get pushed to the end user's device. There are three ways to do this.
1. Through the AnyConnect server (MX): If profiles are configured on the dashboard, the MX will push the configured profile to the user's device after successful authentication.
2. Through an MDM solution: Systems Manager, an equivalent MDM solution, or Active Directory can be used push files to specific destinations on the end user's device. Profiles can also be pushed to the following paths:
Windows
%ProgramData%CiscoCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility ClientProfile
Mac OS X
/opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile
Linux
/opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile
3. Manually: Profiles can also be preloaded manually to the same paths as listed above.
How to Create a Profile
Anyconnect Portable Printer
Profiles can be created using the AnyConnect profile editor. The profile editor can be downloaded from the AnyConnect Settings page on dashboard or on cisco.com. Refer to this link for more details on AnyConnect profiles.
Using the profile editor: The profile editor can be downloaded from the AnyConnect Settings page on dashboard or on Cisco.com. The profile editor only runs on Windows operating systems. The screenshot below shows a configured server ton the Server List Entry option.
When configuration is complete, save the profile. It is recommended to use a unique file name to avoid profile overrides by other AnyConnect servers, then you can upload the file to the profile update section on the AnyConnect settings page.
Please note that only VPN profiles are supported on the MX at this time. This means you cannot push NVM, NAM, or Umbrella profiles via the MX.
- Select enable profiles, upload your xml file, and save your configuration
- After a user successfully authenticates, the configured profile gets pushed to the user's device automatically
- The result of the .xml can be seen below, after successful authentication to the AnyConnect server; this gives users the ease of selecting VPN servers on the AnyConnect client
The Meraki DDNS hostname is not easy to remember, therefore end users are not expected to use it directly. Profiles should be used to make connecting to the AnyConnect server easy for end users.
The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client is a web-based VPN client that does not require user configuration. Use Cisco AnyConnect VPN to securely access the Student Information System (SIS) and other IT administration systems VPN, also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of accessing USC computing resources.
This page provides instructions on how to download, install, and connect to the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client from mobile devices that runs the Android operating system.
Note: Due to the many different types of Android devices, not every Android-based device will work in the same way. ITS is not able to guarantee that these instructions will work on every Android device (4.0 and later). This documentation was created using Android 4.2.2 on a Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Anyconnect Portable Printer
Installing and Configuring the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
To install and configure the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client on an Internet-connected Android device:
- Download and install the AnyConnect ICS+ client from the Google Play Store.
- Once the app has finished installing, select Open to launch the application.
- On the next screen, click OK to accept the license agreement.
- To configure your USC VPN connection, tap Connection.
- On the Advanced Preferences screen, tap Add New VPN Connection.
- On the Connection Editor screen, fill in the following information:
- In the Description field, type USC.
- In the Server Address field, type sslvpn2.usc.edu and then tap Done.
Connecting to VPN
Once you have configured your USC VPN connection, you will need to take the following steps every time you want to connect to VPN:
- Choose the appropriate VPN Group Authentication Profile for your location from the Group pull-down menu. For information describing each of these authentication profiles, please see the VPN Frequently Asked Questions page.
- In the Username field, enter your USC NetID username. Your USC NetID username and password are the username and password you use to connect to services such as my.usc.edu and Workday.
- In the Password field, enter your USC NetID password.
- Tap Next.
NOTE: The first time you connect, you will be asked to trust the application. Check the box next to I trust this application. to accept this and connect to VPN.
Disconnecting from VPN
To disconnect from VPN, move the slider next to AnyConnect VPN to Off.
Getting Help
If you need help installing and connecting to your AnyConnect Secure Mobility client, contact the ITS Customer Support Center.
