Set Up VPN for Mac OS X Lion (10.7) and OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)

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This page provides instructions to set up the Northwestern Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Mac OS X Lion (10.7) and Mountain Lion (10.8). Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions on how to use the automated Northwestern VPN configuration utility.

Users can also follow the steps below to manually set up the Northwestern VPN on Mac OS X Lion (10.7) and Mac OS X Mountain Lion (10.8).

1. Open System Preferences by going to Apple > System Preferences.
   
   
   
2. Select the Network icon in the System Preferences window.
   
   
   
3. Select the + button at the bottom left of the screen to add a new connection. (Note: You may need to click the LOCK icon to enable editing of Network Settings.)
   Select the following options:
   a. Interface: VPN
   b. VPN Type: L2TP over IPSec
   c. Service Name: Northwestern VPN
   d. Select Create.
   
   
   
4. From the Network window enter the following information:
   a. Server Address: vpn-nu.vpn.northwestern.edu
   b. Account Name: enter your NetID.
   (Optional) Check the Show VPN status menu bar box if you would like to start the VPN connection from your menu bar, otherwise you will need to open System Preferences.
   
   
   
5. Click the Authentication Settings button.
6. Next to the Shared Secret box enter "northwesternvpn" as shown without the quotes.
   
   
   
7. Click the OK button.
8. Click the Apply button.
9. Click the Advanced... button.
10. Select the Send all traffic over VPN connection checkbox option.
    
    
11. Click the OK button.
12. Click the Apply button.
13. Delete the old "NUVPN" profile if it appears in your computer settings.