---
type: concept
title: VPN Troubleshooting
tags: [vpn, network, support]
related: [vpn, openvpn, tunnelblick]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_faq_netzwerk.md"]
---

# VPN Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the university VPN involves addressing OS-specific configuration errors, hardware restrictions, and authentication profiles.

## Support Requirements
To receive assistance from the URZ, users must provide:
1. Device type (Laptop, PC, Tablet, etc.).
2. Operating system and version.
3. VPN client used (specifically for macOS: OpenVPN or Tunnelblick).
4. Public IP address **without** the VPN connection (via `rz.uni-greifswald.de/wobinich`).
5. Exact timestamp of the failed connection attempt.

## Common Failure Points

### Windows
- **Missing TAP Adapter**: If the TAP-Windows adapter is missing from network settings, the OpenVPN software must be reinstalled.
- **Routing Issues**: If the connection is established but university pages are unreachable, the client may lack the administrator rights needed to set routing entries for `141.53.0.0/16` and `10.0.0.0/8`.

### macOS
- **Timeouts**: Occasional timeouts occur; the URZ recommends a complete re-configuration of the VPN settings according to official guides.

### Linux (Ubuntu 24.04+)
- **Network-Manager Bug**: Users cannot type passwords into the private key field. 
    - **Workaround 1**: Copy the password to the clipboard and right-click paste.
    - **Workaround 2**: Select "Do not save password" via the field icon.

### Hardware/ISP (T-Systems Speedport)
- **UDP Blocking**: Some Speedport routers block UDP by default.
- **Solution**: Enable **UDP Port Forwarding** for port **1194** in the router's administration panel under "Internet" $\rightarrow$ "Portfreischaltung".

## Profile Types
- **Member Profile**: Grants full access, including licensed online publications.
- **Technical Profile**: Used by non-members; does **not** provide access to licensed online publications.
