Thanks Rob, Mauro and Zack,
My problem is that as soon as the vpn is connected, my IP changes, and I lose the ssh connection (because this vpn client disallows "local LAN access"). I cannot change the vpn client setting. Is there a way to let the ssh connection survive the vpn connection?
Create a virtual machine, and install the vpn client on the VM.
It is probably the best solution but the screen update and mouse movement through the VM then through the remote desktop was slow and erratic. I'll try again - since it's only the performance issue...
screen
Currently I just keep one always-open connection using a serial null modem connection to the linux station. I do use screen, but some of my color and keyboard setup is broken inside screen sessions, rendering the session less useful for code editing. But yes, screen might allow me to script automatic reconnection.
removing the zone alarm firewall underneath the hood
It's an interesting idea but I couldn't find those files in my hard disk. The vpn client was specifically recompiled by the remote site admin and I'm not sure if circumventing the prohibition will work. If you have a pointer to more information, I'll go after them.
For this and that, I'd wish there were a solution from the ssh side. I don't mind writing some codes. But since one end of the IP layer is being dropped upon the vpn connection, I guess it's not an easy task to keep the connection.
Thanks anyway. Ben Kim
