Configuring a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Connection in Mac OS X v10.5
Time to Complete (in minutes): 10
- Question:
- How do I configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection in Mac OS X v10.5?
- Answer:
-
Important: To be eligible to use the VPN service, you must be subscribed to either the
VT Wireless Network (http://wireless.cns.vt.edu) service or the
Virginia Tech Modem Pool (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 your 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.
Notes:
- 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 Virginia Tech VPN connection in Mac OS X v10.5:
- From the Apple menu, select System Preferences....
- Under Internet & Network, click the Network icon.
- Under the list of connections on the left side of the window, click the + or Plus Sign button.
- From the Interface: drop-down list, select VPN.
- From the VPN Type: drop-down list, select PPTP.
- In the Service Name: text box, type a name for the connection.
- Click the Create button.
- In the Network window, from the list of connections in the left pane, select the VPN connection you just created.
- If not already selected, from the Configuration: drop-down list, select Default.
- In the Server Address: text box, type: pptp.cns.vt.edu
- In the Account Name: text box, type your PID.
- From the Encryption: drop-down list, select None.
- Click the Authentication Settings... button.
- If not already selected, select the Password: option.
- In the Password: text box, type your remote access passphrase.
- Click OK.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the Connect button.
Important: Many Mac OS X 10.5 users have reported problems with their VPN connection not allowing access to on-campus sites despite being connected. If you experience this issue:
- Send all traffic over the VPN connection:
- From the System Preferences window, click the Network icon.
- In the Network window, from the list of connections in the left pane, select your VPN connection.
- Click the Advanced... button.
- Place a check in the Send All Traffic over VPN Connection check box.
- Click OK.
- Click the Apply button.
Note: When you no longer need your VPN connection, disconnect from it (there should be an icon/timer on the taskbar in the right corner when you are connected). The workaround listed above will make all of your Internet traffic go through Virginia Tech's servers, and leaving the connection on will create bandwidth issues.
- Change the connection preference order of your VPN connection:
- From the System Preferences window, click the Network icon.
- Under the list of connections on the left side of the window, click the Gear button.
- From the drop-down list, select Set Service Order....
- Drag the VPN connection to the top of the list.
- Click OK.
- Click the Apply button.
