Connecting to HPC VPN

Users can connect to NREL's high-performance computing (HPC) systems via VPN (virtual private network).

You do not need the VPN connection if...

You are an NREL employee using an NREL device (while on-site you may connect directly; while off-site, use your existing Pulse External VPN Connection).

You may need the VPN if...

You are a non-NREL HPC user or an NREL employee using a non-NREL device.
You need to use features such as web-based applications, X11 applications, or perform file transfers on non-Eagle systems.
Your organization blocks outbound SSH connections.

Requirements

A valid HPC login account
A multifactor authentication token
Administrative privileges on a computer with one of the following operating systems:
- OS X version 10.10 (Yosemite) or later (10.12+ recommended)
- Windows 7 SP1 or later (Windows 10 recommended)
- Ubuntu 16+, CentOS 7, or Fedora 27+.

Note: NREL High-Performance Computing does not provide technical support, and you may need to seek assistance from your IT department when installing software.

Download and Install

Download and install the Pulse Secure Desktop Client for your operating system:

Operating System	Installer
OS X	Download
Windows	Download
Ubuntu	Download
Fedora/CentOS	Download

Set Up Pulse Secure

Start the Pulse Secure application
Click the [+] button to create a new connection profile. Add the following and save the connection:
Type: Policy Secure
Name: NREL-HPC (or whatever you want to call it)
Server: https://hd.nrel.gov/
Click the [Connect] button and enter your username and the multifactor password combination (password+token).

Testing

To ensure your connection is working, start your terminal client and connect to a server such as eagle.nrel.gov or use your web browser to connect to an internal service.

Caveats

The HPC VPN allows access to Computational Science Center resources only. While connected all network requests pass through NREL's network and specific services for your organization may be unavailable for use.