Configuring a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to Connect to the Virginia Tech Network via Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) in Mac OS X v10.4
Time to Complete (in minutes): 10

Question:
How do I configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect to the Virginia Tech Network via Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) in Mac OS X v10.4?

Answer:

Notes:

  • Important: To be eligible to use the VPN service, you must be subscribed to either the Virginia Tech Wireless Network Service (http://wireless.cns.vt.edu) or the Virginia Tech Modem Pool (VTMP) (http://www.cns.vt.edu/data_VTMP.html) service.

  • Important: Before you can use the VPN service, you must set up a passphrase as your authentication credential for the VPN service. For instructions, refer to Setting Your Remote Access Passphrase for VPN (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2846/).

  • Important: To configure your connection you must log on to your computer with an account that has administrator privileges. If you do not know the password for an account with administrator privileges, contact the person who configured Mac OS X, your departmental support technician, or Apple for help. Once you have configured the connection, you do not need to have administrator privileges to connect to the Virginia Tech VPN service.

  • The PPTP VPN service supports 128-bit encryption, using the setup steps given below.

  • For more information about Virginia Tech's VPN service, see the Virtual Private Network (http://www.computing.vt.edu/internet_and_web/internet_access/vpn.html)page.

To configure a VPN connection:

  1. Double-click your hard drive.
  2. Double-click the Applications icon.
  3. Double-click the Internet Connect icon.
  4. Open a new VPN connection over PPTP.
  5. From the File menu, select New VPN Connection....
  6. Select the PPTP radio button.
  7. If it appears, click the Continue button.
  8. In the Server Address text box, type: pptp.cns.vt.edu
  9. In the Account Name or User Name text box, type your PID.
  10. In the Password text box, type your remote access passphrase.
  11. Click the Connect button.