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L2TP VPN Connection with File Shares on macOS

Updated

This guide explains how to set up and configure an L2TP VPN connection on macOS and access shared company data over the VPN.

Contact Details

If you experience any issues, please contact ASK4 Solutions:

Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following details before proceeding:

  • Server Address: The public IP address of the router.
  • Account Name: Your VPN username.
  • Password: Your VPN authentication password.
  • Shared Secret: The VPN shared password for machine authentication.
  • Search Domain: Your company’s Active Directory domain name.
  • Server Name: Required to access company shared data.

Contact ASK4 Solutions for assistance if any of these details are missing.

Steps to Set Up an L2TP VPN

1. Open Network Settings

  • Go to System Preferences > Network on your Mac.

2. Add a New VPN Connection

  • Click the + icon in the bottom-left corner to add a new network interface.
  • Choose the following options:
    • Interface: VPN.
    • VPN Type: L2TP over IPsec.
    • Service Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Company VPN").
  • Click Create.

3. Configure VPN Settings

  • Enter the following details:
    • Server Address: Enter the VPN server address.
    • Account Name: Enter your VPN username.

4. Set Authentication

  • Click Authentication Settings and:
    • Enter your Password under User Authentication.
    • Enter the Shared Secret under Machine Authentication.
  • Click OK.

5. Adjust Advanced Settings

  • In the Network window, click Advanced and:
    • Under the Options tab, tick Send all traffic over VPN connection.
    • Under the DNS tab, click the + icon under Search Domains and add your office domain name.
      • Contact ASK4 Solutions if unsure of the domain name.
  • Click OK to save.

6. Connect to the VPN

  • Back in the Network window, click Connect.
  • When successfully connected, the status will update to "Connected."

Accessing Shared Files over VPN

1. Open Finder

  • In the Finder menu, select Go > Connect to Server.

2. Enter the Server Address

  • In the address bar, type smb://<SERVER NAME>/ (replace <SERVER NAME> with the actual server name).
  • Click the + icon to add the server to your favorites for future access.

3. Select a Share

  • Choose the share you want to access from the list.
  • Click OK to open and browse the files.

4. Repeat for Additional Shares

  • Repeat the above steps for any additional shares you need to access.