Fortinet is one of the top names in cybersecurity, providing robust VPN solutions for secure remote access to networks. But if you’re working on a Raspberry Pi device, you might notice something missing—an official Fortinet VPN client for Linux on Raspberry Pi.
Thankfully, there’s a workaround! With openfortivpn, an open-source alternative, you can still connect your Raspberry Pi to a Fortinet VPN. This guide will break down everything you need to know, including how to set up openfortivpn, troubleshoot common issues, and answer the all-important question, “Does FortiClient work on Linux?”
By the end, you’ll have a seamless way to access secure networks using your Raspberry Pi.
What Is the Fortinet Linux VPN Client for Raspberry Pi?
Fortinet’s FortiClient VPN is a powerful tool designed to provide encrypted connections to protect data transmitted over the internet. While it works well on operating systems like Windows, macOS, and even some Linux distributions (like CentOS and Ubuntu), there’s no official FortiClient support for Raspberry Pi.
The good news? Raspberry Pi OS, which is based on Debian Linux, is compatible with openfortivpn, a reliable open-source alternative for FortiClient VPN. This tool lets you establish a secure VPN connection on your Raspberry Pi.
Whether you want to remote into a corporate network or access sensitive resources at home, openfortivpn provides Raspberry Pi users a simple and efficient way to achieve this.
How to Connect to a VPN Using FortiClient VPN
While FortiClient has a straightforward workflow for supported systems like Windows or Ubuntu Linux, this process won’t fully apply to Raspberry Pi due to the lack of an official client. If you’re using a supported Linux distro or another OS instead, follow these steps to connect using FortiClient:
Steps to Access FortiClient VPN:
- Download and Open the FortiClient Application
Install the FortiClient VPN that is appropriate for your operating system. On Fortinet’s website, you can find the installation package for supported Linux distros like Ubuntu or CentOS.
- Enter Credentials
Input your username and password as provided by your VPN administrator. These are required to authenticate your access.
- Input Two-Factor Authentication Token
Many Fortinet setups use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. Input the token generated by your 2FA device or app (such as Google Authenticator).
- Connect to the Network
Once authorized, connect to the VPN. This step establishes the secure tunnel necessary to access internal network resources.
- Verify Connectivity
Double-check that your connection is active and you can access the intended resources securely.
Not on Ubuntu or CentOS? Try Openfortivpn for Raspberry Pi
If you’re on Raspberry Pi, you must rely on openfortivpn instead of the official FortiClient software. Openfortivpn can be installed and configured to connect to Fortinet VPNs securely. Learn how to set it up next.
How to Set Up Openfortivpn on Raspberry Pi for Fortinet VPN
Since Raspberry Pi doesn’t have an official FortiClient, openfortivpn is an excellent alternative. How-to instructions for installing and configuring it are provided below:
Step 1: Install Openfortivpn
Run the command below to install openfortivpn on your Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi OS, being Debian-based, supports this package directly from the repositories.
“`
sudo apt update && sudo apt install openfortivpn
“`
Step 2: Configure Openfortivpn
Create a configuration file or use flags to specify your VPN server details. You will need:
- VPN server URL or IP (provided by your network administrator)
- Username
- Password
- Trusted SSL certificate (also provided by your network admin)
For instance, in the terminal, you can connect with the following command:
“`
sudo openfortivpn <VPN_SERVER>:<PORT> -u <USERNAME> -p <PASSWORD>
“`
You can also create the configuration file /etc/openfortivpn/config for easier future use:
“`
host = <VPN_SERVER>
port = <PORT>
username = <USERNAME>
password = <PASSWORD>
trusted-cert = <CERTIFICATE_HASH>
“`
Step 3: Connect to the VPN
Run sudo openfortivpn to establish your VPN connection. You should now have access to your secure remote network.
Step 4: Verify the Connection
You can test your connection by pinging a resource behind the VPN or checking your external IP address to ensure it matches your VPN’s IP.
Troubleshooting Common FortiClient and Openfortivpn Issues
Sometimes, things may not work as expected. Here’s a list of common issues and troubleshooting tips:
1. Network Connection Issues
- Ensure your network is functional. An unstable internet connection could disrupt the VPN.
- Verify that your Raspberry Pi is connected to the internet before launching Openfortivpn.
2. Incorrect Credentials
- Double-check your username, password, and configuration details. Even a minor typo can prevent successful authentication.
3. SSL Certificate Errors
- If you encounter SSL errors, verify that you’ve imported the correct trusted certificate from your network administrator.
4. Antivirus or Firewall Interference
- If connecting from a network with strict firewall rules or antivirus, check with your IT administrator to allow the VPN traffic.
By addressing these quick fixes, you should be able to establish a secure connection reliably.
Does FortiClient Work on Linux?
Yes, FortiClient does work on certain Linux distributions like Ubuntu and CentOS. Fortinet provides an official FortiClient (Linux) package, which includes VPN functionality and endpoint security tools. However, the same support is not extended to Raspberry Pi OS, where openfortivpn shines as the go-to alternative.
If you’re using Ubuntu, you can download the official FortiClient package from the Fortinet website and enjoy native support. On the other hand, Raspberry Pi users can rely on the open-source solution to enjoy comparable functionality.
Conclusion
While Fortinet does not natively support Raspberry Pi with its official FortiClient VPN, openfortivpn offers an excellent alternative for setting up a secure VPN connection. Following the steps above, you’ll efficiently connect your Pi to a Fortinet VPN and enjoy safe and reliable network access.
Need more guidance? Stay up to speed with openfortivpn’s documentation, or contact your network administrator for configuration assistance. For Linux users on CentOS or Ubuntu who have access to the official FortiClient VPN client, integrating it into your enterprise network offers an easy and secure solution.
joanna gaines