Here’s a simple bash script that ensures you remain connected to an existing VPN connection as long as your computer is connected to the internet:

#!/bin/bash

# set these variables
VPN_IP=A.A.A.A
INTERNET_TEST_IP=B.B.B.B
VPN_CONNECTION="myVPNConnection"

while true
do
  ping -n -t 1 -c 2 $VPN_IP > /dev/null 2>&1
  if [ "$?" != "0"  ]
  then
    ping -n -t 1 -c 1 $INTERNET_TEST_IP > /dev/null 2>&1
    if [ "$?" == "0"  ]
    then
      scutil --nc start "$VPN_CONNECTION"
    fi
  fi
  sleep 1
done

To use this:

  • Create a directory in your home directory called bin
  • Copy the script above into a new file, $HOME/bin/keepVPNConnected
  • Set VPN_IP, INTERNET_TEST_IP and VPN_CONNECTION as indicated. VPN_IP should be set to an IP address behind the VPN that responds to ping requests
  • chmod +x $HOME/bin/keepVPNConnected
  • Add keepVPNConnected to your login items - I also select the ‘Hide’ option

You can obviously run this manually from the terminal