Article ID: 1534
Last Review: Sep 21, 2009
Type: Instructions
Connecting with VPN using Mac OS X 10.6
When you are off campus, some of Illinois State University's electronic services are unavailable to you unless you establish a VPN connection.
Before You Begin
You must have the VPN profile for Mac OS X 10.6 installed. Students, faculty, staff, and retirees may download the VPN Profile for Mac OS X 10.6.
For instructions on installing the VPN profile for Mac OS X 10.6, refer to 1544: Installing VPN profile on Mac OS X 10.6.
Connect with VPN in Mac OS X 10.6
To connect with VPN in Mac OS X 10.6, do the following:
- Click the VPN icon on the menu bar. This black icon with vertical lines appears on the right side of the menu bar near the Airport wireless icon.
- Click the Connect VPN (IPsec) from the VPN Menu. See figure 1.
- Enter your password when prompted to do so.
- Click OK.
- After a moment, you see a message that says, “Welcome to ISU”.
- Click OK.
You are now connected through VPN.
Disconnect from VPN
When you are finished using your VPN connection, you should disconnect. Do the following:
- Click the VPN icon on the menu bar.
- Click Disconnect VPN (IPsec) from the VPN Menu. See figure 2.
You are now disconnected from VPN.
Unlimited Timeout
The VPN server will never disconnect you due to being idle (i.e. it has an unlimited timeout). If you are no longer using your VPN connection, you should disconnect. Reconnect when you need to access restricted resources from off campus again.
When to Use VPN
When you are off campus, connect with the Cisco VPN Client when you need access to restricted electronic services.
- Shared Folders - VPN is required to map network drives to Datastore or any other campus server when you are off campus.
- Email - Depending on how your email client is configured, you may need to connect with the VPN to check and send email.
- Other - You may have access to a service or resource provided by your class or department that requires a VPN connection from off campus.
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