diff --git a/neutron_vpnaas/services/vpn/device_drivers/strongswan_ipsec.py b/neutron_vpnaas/services/vpn/device_drivers/strongswan_ipsec.py
index 3ede7a767..65f2e547a 100644
--- a/neutron_vpnaas/services/vpn/device_drivers/strongswan_ipsec.py
+++ b/neutron_vpnaas/services/vpn/device_drivers/strongswan_ipsec.py
@@ -179,7 +179,8 @@ class StrongSwanProcess(ipsec.BaseSwanProcess):
         self._execute([self.binary, 'start'])
         # initiate ipsec connection
         for ipsec_site_conn in self.vpnservice['ipsec_site_connections']:
-            self._execute([self.binary, 'up', ipsec_site_conn['id']])
+            self._execute([self.binary, 'stroke', 'up-nb',
+                           ipsec_site_conn['id']])
 
     def stop(self):
         self._execute([self.binary, 'stop'])