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4.10. Set up a connection to a virtual private network
In order to connect to a virtual private network (VPN) you need to enter configuration settings into Network preferences. These settings include the VPN server address, account name, and any authentication settings, such as a password or a certificate you were given by the administrator of the network.
If you were given a VPN settings file, try double-clicking the file to open Network preferences and automatically import the settings. If double-clicking the file doesn't open Network preferences, choose Apple > System Preferences, click Network, and then choose Import Configurations from the Action pop-up menu. Select the file and click Import.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, and then click Network.
- Click Add (+) at the bottom of the network connection services list, and then choose VPN from the Interface pop-up menu.
- Choose what kind of VPN connection you want to set up from the VPN Type pop-up menu, depending on the network you are connecting to, and give the VPN service a name.
- Enter the server address and the account name for the VPN connection.
- Click Authentication Settings, and then enter the user authentication information you were given by the network administrator.
- After entering the user authentication information, click OK, and then click Connect.
Select "Show VPN status in menu bar" to use the VPN status icon to connect to the network and switch between VPN services.
To remove the VPN configuration, select the VPN network connection service in the list and click Delete (-).