How to Configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Mac OS X

This articles applies to: all SC&I faculty, staff, doctoral students, and PTL

If you are new to SC&I, especially a doctoral student or PTL, please contact help@comminfo.rutgers.edu to request access permission.

1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen
2. Click on “System Preferences”
3. Click on “Network” (usually in the 3rd row)
4. Click + (you may have to unlock the + option by clicking on the lock graphic)
5. Enter the following selections:
   • Interface: VPN
   • VPN Type: L2TP over IPSec
   • Service Name: SC&I VPN
6. In the next window that appears, enter the following selections:
   • Server Address: vpn.comminfo.rutgers.edu
   • Account Name: Enter your NetID username
7. Click “Authentication Settings”
   • Password: your NetID password
   • Machine Authentication: “Shared Secret”: vpn1@comminfo
8. Click on OK
9. Click “Advanced”
   • Check the box for “Send all traffic over VPN connection”
   • Click OK
10. Click to select “Show VPN status in menu bar”
11. Click on OK and Apply
12. Close the Network preferences window.

You have completed the one-time process to configure your computer for use with SC&I VPN.

To connect to VPN, click on the VPN icon from the menu bar.