In this guide I will show you how to connect your Apple MAC to any VPN service that’s using the L2TP/IPsec protocol. L2TP over IPsec is a relatively common and secure protocol and most VPN service providers and workplaces will support it.
Before we start the connection setup process, you will need to find out the following details (best have them written or printed). If you are connecting to a paid VPN service, just login and your details and settings will be there. If you are connecting via a workplace, please contact your Network Administrator and ask them for the following details:
Required Info
- Your VPN username
- Your VPN password
- The server name or IP address (ie. contoso.com or 102.562.243.12)
- The pre-shared key (PSK)
(PSK will be a series of characters like a password)
Once you have this info you can then watch the video above or follow the text guide below.
Connect via L2TP/IPsec to VPN on MAC OS X
- Open System Preferences
from your menu bar - Click on Network Settings
- On the left pane, click on the plus + icon to add a new connection
- In the drop down box, for Interface choose VPN
- For VPN Type choose L2TP over IPSec
- For Service Name enter a descriptive name ie HomeVPN or WorkVPN
- Now click the Create button, then select the new connection in the left pane
- Leave the Configuration option to Default
- Enter the server name or IP address into the Server Address field
- For Account Name, enter your VPN username
- Now click the Authentication Settings button
- For User Authentication enter your VPN password
- For Shared Secret, enter your Pre Shared Key or PSK, then click OK
- Check the Show VPN status in menu bar checkbox
- Now click the Advanced… button, then make sure Options item is selected
- Check the Send all traffic over VPN connection check box, then click OK
- Finally click Apply then close the Network Settings window
- You can now connect/disconnect from your VPN connection via the icon in the menu bar (top-right) as shown below…
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