# VPN CONFIGURATION FILE ADVISORY # =============================== # REVERSE CHRONOLOGY # ================== # 2021-10-12: Updated ................................................ P. Lynam # 2021-XX-XX: Early versions .............................. B. Holden, S. Allen Please be advised: + VPN configuration files become valid after 20:00 UT (12:00 PM PST) on the day for which they are assigned. It is NOT advised to attempt early connection on the day for which VPN configuration files have been assigned lest firewalls or system administrators interpret this as a network break-in attempt. + Only a limited number of VPN connections can be simultaneously hosted. + A single VPN configuration file must be used uniquely for each observer (i.e. in the case of multiple observers observers associated with the same program) more-than-one VPN configuration file may be issued to enable more-than-one observer. In such cases, multiple observers must coordinate among themselves regarding which of the issued VPN configuration files they will use. + Depending on the number of sequential nights in the run, VPN configuration files can be valid either for a single night, or for all sequential nights of a run. + Occasionally, while a VPN configuration file is in use, but during an idle period (e.g. between afternoon activities and start-of-night operations) a ssh key error may occur. This may be provoked by the client system entering a power- saving mode. This is usually solved by completely stopping the VPN connection and all remote operations software and then re- starting the VPN and remote software. To avoid this, it is recommended that the system should be configured NOT to sleep, NOT to conserve power, and NOT to lock the screen. + VPN configuration files become invalid at 20:00 UT on the day following the final night of the run. + Please disable and delete VPN configuration files after they expire. Machines attempting to use configuration files continuously for prolonged intervals after expiration resemble an ongoing attack. # === END ===