diff --git a/systemvm/patches/debian/config/opt/cloud/bin/ipsectunnel.sh b/systemvm/patches/debian/config/opt/cloud/bin/ipsectunnel.sh
index 809cb4dd5af..a95c65ea350 100755
--- a/systemvm/patches/debian/config/opt/cloud/bin/ipsectunnel.sh
+++ b/systemvm/patches/debian/config/opt/cloud/bin/ipsectunnel.sh
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ ipsec_tunnel_add() {
 
   if [ $passive -eq 0 ]
   then
-      sudo ipsec auto --up vpn-$rightpeer
+      sudo ipsec auto --up vpn-$rightpeer &
   fi
   if [ $checkup -eq 1 ]
   then