Can my laptop talk to VPNs through my Atrix phone?
July 7, 2011 2:44 PM Subscribe
Is there a way to allow vpn passthru on my tethered Motorola Atrix? I don't want to use the vpn client on the phone (which I've heard is buggy), just use the internet connection and the vpn client on my laptop.
I just got this phone and I really like it, except for this. Since I live in the sticks, I was planning to use tethering in order to eliminate the need for an extra internet device, but my job requires that I connect to several different client vpns. Every data-only cellular device (currently have a usb modem connected to Cradlepoint router & a mifi) that I've used has a simple checkbox option in the configuration that just says "allow vpn pass through," but the Atrix mobile hotspot settings don't have it.
I'm not terribly well-versed in networking or mucking around in the guts of Android, but I gather it's got a Linux kernel so it's just a port that needs to be opened somewhere, right?
I really don't want to have to return it, but if I have to, it's better to know now so I don't get used to it.
I just got this phone and I really like it, except for this. Since I live in the sticks, I was planning to use tethering in order to eliminate the need for an extra internet device, but my job requires that I connect to several different client vpns. Every data-only cellular device (currently have a usb modem connected to Cradlepoint router & a mifi) that I've used has a simple checkbox option in the configuration that just says "allow vpn pass through," but the Atrix mobile hotspot settings don't have it.
I'm not terribly well-versed in networking or mucking around in the guts of Android, but I gather it's got a Linux kernel so it's just a port that needs to be opened somewhere, right?
I really don't want to have to return it, but if I have to, it's better to know now so I don't get used to it.
Response by poster: Did a little research, and I think the Atrix OS is locked down. There's a huge ruckus on the Motorola support site about it. I think I need a front door.
posted by mneekadon at 3:19 PM on July 7, 2011
posted by mneekadon at 3:19 PM on July 7, 2011
My brother uses EasyTether from the Android Market on his (totally locked) down HTC EVO 3D android phone to get to the internet on his Macbook via USB.
It's free*, works for both Windows and Macs, and configuration only takes a few minutes - you should try it and see if it works. Theoretically, you should be able to set up any kind of VPN tunnel through it.
*I believe the free version starts blocking ports after a week or two but I'm not sure.
posted by exhilaration at 8:34 AM on July 8, 2011
It's free*, works for both Windows and Macs, and configuration only takes a few minutes - you should try it and see if it works. Theoretically, you should be able to set up any kind of VPN tunnel through it.
*I believe the free version starts blocking ports after a week or two but I'm not sure.
posted by exhilaration at 8:34 AM on July 8, 2011
Response by poster: I installed EasyTether and even got the paid version. There's something wrong with it. It only works for plain http, even after I registered it.
It NEVER worked for https or IM or VPN passthru as the trial "Lite" version. When I emailed the support (today, 7.15) they told me all the trial features expired on 7/4 and they'd give me a refund within 30 days if I didn't like it. Also, if I try to disable the USB connection the whole app freezes and then has to be forced to stop.
posted by mneekadon at 2:50 PM on July 15, 2011
It NEVER worked for https or IM or VPN passthru as the trial "Lite" version. When I emailed the support (today, 7.15) they told me all the trial features expired on 7/4 and they'd give me a refund within 30 days if I didn't like it. Also, if I try to disable the USB connection the whole app freezes and then has to be forced to stop.
posted by mneekadon at 2:50 PM on July 15, 2011
In case I wasn't clear, Azilink works on an unmodified Android device, you do not need root access or any special backdoors (though you will need to install OpenVPN and the adb tool that comes as part of the Android SDK on the computer you're using to tether. I copied the executable to my phone's SD card in case I need to tether someone else's machine, but 99% of the time I just need to get online with my own laptop.) I've used it for VPN connections with Windows XP, Windows 7, and OS X.
posted by contraption at 9:26 PM on July 15, 2011
posted by contraption at 9:26 PM on July 15, 2011
Response by poster: ust checked the Android Market-- Open vpn isn't available there, and AT&T locks down sideloading. Plus, it looks like Open vpn requires root anyway.
I gather the Gingerbread Atrix upgrade might enable sideloading, but I'm not holding my breath. Also, the recent firmware updates have closed a lot of the exploits that have been used for rooting, requiring you to flash the firmware back to an earlier versioni
posted by mneekadon at 11:34 PM on July 17, 2011
I gather the Gingerbread Atrix upgrade might enable sideloading, but I'm not holding my breath. Also, the recent firmware updates have closed a lot of the exploits that have been used for rooting, requiring you to flash the firmware back to an earlier versioni
posted by mneekadon at 11:34 PM on July 17, 2011
Azilink doesn't require root, but you're right that you would need to be able to load software on your phone without downloading it from the official Market, and it does appear that the phone is crippled to disallow that, which is absurd. I haven't used it myself, but it looks like you could use the "Sideload Wonder Machine" to get around this limitation and load the Azilink .apk on your phone (OpenVPN goes on the host computer, not on the phone itself.)
If I were in your position, though, I would root it or return it. Removing the ability to load apps obtained through means other than the Android Market is a really shitty move.
posted by contraption at 7:22 AM on July 18, 2011
If I were in your position, though, I would root it or return it. Removing the ability to load apps obtained through means other than the Android Market is a really shitty move.
posted by contraption at 7:22 AM on July 18, 2011
Response by poster: Word is the Gingerbread upgrade WILL enable sideloading -- I think Amazon has had it out with AT&T which is what is pushing the issue.
I'm not ready to flash any firmware, so I'll look into the Azilink thing.
The EasyTether guy (who's been pretty helpful and responsive, and noted that AT&T phones are "brain damaged") sent me a script to install his new beta (not in the Android market) from the PC to the phone, which seemed to fix some of the issues. It looks like I can now IM from my host, but I have a VM for work that uses a bridged connection to the host, and it can't see the host network when it's tethered, never mind vpn. The VM is where I need vpn. Futzing with connecting the phone directly to the guest and trying to tether from there just caused the whole machine to freeze.
My MiFi works fine, but that was supposed to be our home internet and the phone was supposed to be the work connection. Looks like maybe I'll just pay the extra $10/GB for the overrun on the home service.
posted by mneekadon at 9:36 AM on July 18, 2011
I'm not ready to flash any firmware, so I'll look into the Azilink thing.
The EasyTether guy (who's been pretty helpful and responsive, and noted that AT&T phones are "brain damaged") sent me a script to install his new beta (not in the Android market) from the PC to the phone, which seemed to fix some of the issues. It looks like I can now IM from my host, but I have a VM for work that uses a bridged connection to the host, and it can't see the host network when it's tethered, never mind vpn. The VM is where I need vpn. Futzing with connecting the phone directly to the guest and trying to tether from there just caused the whole machine to freeze.
My MiFi works fine, but that was supposed to be our home internet and the phone was supposed to be the work connection. Looks like maybe I'll just pay the extra $10/GB for the overrun on the home service.
posted by mneekadon at 9:36 AM on July 18, 2011
Response by poster: Also -- this explains why you can get a refurb Atrix for $20. Caveat emptor, I guess.
posted by mneekadon at 9:36 AM on July 18, 2011
posted by mneekadon at 9:36 AM on July 18, 2011
Response by poster: Further joy (not): If I try to install OpenVPN, it fails to install the TAP driver. Apparently a recurring problem on Win7 with no obvious solution I can see. However, SWM appears to work great.
posted by mneekadon at 12:11 PM on July 18, 2011
posted by mneekadon at 12:11 PM on July 18, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by contraption at 3:04 PM on July 7, 2011