The Mobile VPN with SSL software enables users to connect, disconnect, gather more information about the connection, and to exit or quit the client. The Mobile VPN with SSL client adds an icon to the system tray on the Windows operating system, or an icon in the menu bar on macOS. Installation guide for OpenVPN Connect Client on macOS; OpenVPN Connect v3. This is the official program that we recommend and support for OpenVPN Access Server and OpenVPN Cloud. This new OpenVPN Connect v3 client software offers client connectivity across 4 major platforms. The Connect Tunnel provides an “in-office” experience for a remote working world with full access away from the office. For IT-managed Mac, Windows, and Linux users, this thin client delivers fast and secure remote access to sensitive corporate data and assets.
Important
You can connect to multiple VPN endpoints simultaneously. Hence, Shimo is the favorite of power users and consultants. Complex network are easily manageable using Shimo – the number one VPN client for Mac – as it is possible to setup multiple connections using various protocols. SSL-VPN Security Fabric Telemetry Compliance Enforcement Web Filtering IPSec VPN Application Firewall 2-Factor Authentication Vulnerability Scan WAN Optimization On-net detection for auto-VPN Rebranding Anti-Exploit.
Netgate is offering COVID-19 aid for pfSense software users, learn more.
There are three client options for Mac OS X.:
The OpenVPN command line client. Most users prefer a graphical client, so thisoption will not be covered.
Tunnelblick, a free option available for download at the Tunnelblick Website.
The commercial Viscosity client. At the time of this writing, it costs $14USD for a single seat. If OpenVPN is used frequently, Viscosity is a muchnicer client and well worth the cost.
Both Tunnelblick and Viscosity are easily installed, with no configurationoptions during installation.
Configuring Viscosity¶
When using the Viscosity client, it can be configured manually or the OpenVPNClient Export package may be used to import the configuration. Viscosityprovides a GUI configuration tool that can be used to generate the underlyingOpenVPN client configuration. The CA and certificates can be imported manually,and all of the parameters can be set by hand. This section cover importing aViscosity bundle from the export package.
Download a copy of the Viscosity bundle for the client from the OpenVPNClient Export package
Locate the saved file, which will end in
.visc.zip
indicating that it is acompressed archiveCopy this exported bundle to a folder on the Mac
Double click this file and it will expand to
Viscosity.visc
Double click
Viscosity.visc
and Viscosity will open and import theconnection as shown in Figure Viscosity Import
Delete the
Viscosity.visc
directory and the.zip
archiveViscosity will be running after import, and may be found in the menu bar
Click the lock icon added to the menu bar at the top of the screen
Click Preferences to check that the configuration was imported as shown inFigure Viscosity Preferences
Viscosity Preferences¶
Check the Connections area to see if the connection imported successfullyas shown in Figure Viscosity View Connections.
Close the Preferences screen
Click the lock in the menu bar
Click the name of the VPN connection to connect as shown in FigureViscosity Connect. After a few seconds, the lock in the menu barwill turn green to show it connected successfully.
Viscosity Connect¶
Click on it and then click Details as shown in FigureViscosity Menu to see connection information
On the first screen (Figure Viscosity Details), the connectionstatus, connected time, the IP assigned to the client, and the IP of the serverare all displayed. A bandwidth graph is displayed at the bottom of the screen,showing the throughput in and out of the OpenVPN interface.
Viscosity Details¶
Clicking the up/down arrow button in the middle of the details screen displaysadditional network traffic statistics. This shows the traffic sent within thetunnel (TUN/TAP In and Out), as well as the total TCP or UDP traffic sentincluding the overhead of the tunnel and encryption. For connections usingprimarily small packets the overhead is considerable with all VPN solutions. Thestats shown in Figure Viscosity Details: Traffic Statistics are from only afew pings traversing the connection. The traffic sent in bringing up theconnection is also counted here, so the initial overhead is higher than what itwill be after being connected for some time. Also, the typical VPN traffic willhave larger packet sizes than 64 byte pings, making the total overhead anddifference between these two numbers considerably less.
Clicking on the third icon in the middle of the Details screen shows theOpenVPN log file (Figure Viscosity Details: Logs). If there is any troubleconnecting, review the logs here to help determine the problem. See alsoTroubleshooting OpenVPN.
Viscosity Details: Logs¶
This article outlines instructions to configure a client VPN connection on commonly-used operating systems. For more information about client VPN, please refer to our Client VPN Overviewdocumentation.
For troubleshooting, please refer to our Troubleshooting Client VPN documentation.
Android
To configure an Android device to connect to the Client VPN, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings -> Wireless & Networks -> VPN
- Click the Plus Icon to add an additional VPN profile
Name: This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
Type: select L2TP/IPSEC PSK
Server address: Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
IPSec pre-shared key: Enter the pre-shared key that admin created in Security appliance >Configure > Client VPN settings.
Press save
You will be prompted for user credentials when you connect.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS based devices can be configured to connect to the Client VPN feature on MX Security Appliances. This allows remote users to securely connect to the LAN. This article will cover how to configure the VPN connection on a Chrome OS device. For more information on how to setup the Client VPN feature of the MX or how to connect from other operating systems, please visit the MX documentation.
- If you haven't already, sign in to your Chromebook.
- Click the status area at the bottom of your screen, where your account picture is located.
- Select Settings.
- In the 'Internet connection' section, click Add connection.
- Select Add private network.
- In the box that appears, fill in the information below:
- Server hostname:Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
- Service name: This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
- Provider type: Select L2TP/IPsec + Pre-shared key.
- Pre-shared key: Enter shared secret that admin created in Security appliance >Configure > Client VPN settings.
- Username credentials for connecting to VPN. If using Meraki authentication, this will be an e-mail address.
- Password credentials for connecting to VPN.
- Click Connect.
For more information regarding the configuration of VPN connections in Chrome OS, visit the Google Support page.
To configure an iOS device to connect to the Client VPN, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings -> General-> VPN -> Add VPN Configuration...
- Type: set to L2TP.
- Description:This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
- Server: Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
- Account: Enter the username
- Password: Enter if desired. If the password is left blank, it will need to be entered each time the device attempts to connect to the Client VPN.
- Secret: Enter shared secret that admin created in Security appliance >Configure > Client VPN settings.
- Ensure that Send All Traffic is set to On.
- Save the configuration.
macOS
Currently only the following authentication mechanisms are supported:
- User authentication: Active Directory (AD), RADIUS, or Meraki hosted authentication.
- Machine authentication: Preshared keys (a.k.a., shared secret).
When using Meraki hosted authentication, VPN account/user name setting on client devices (e.g., PC or Mac) is the user email address entered in the Dashboard.
The instructions below are tested on Mac OS 10.7.3 (Lion).
Open System Preferences > Network from Mac applications menu. Click the '+' button to create a new service, then select VPN as the interface type, and choose L2TP over IPsec from the pull-down menu.
- Server Address: Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
- Account Name: Enter the account name of the user (based on AD, RADIUS or Meraki Cloud authentication).
- User Authentication > Password: User password (based on AD, RADIUS or Meraki Cloud authentication).
- Machine Authentication > Shared Secret: Enter shared secret that admin created in Security appliance >Configure > Client VPN settings.
The VPN connectivity will not be established if you don't enable the Send all traffic over VPN connection option!
Windows 7
Currently only the following authentication mechanisms are supported:
- User authentication: Active Directory (AD), RADIUS, or Meraki hosted authentication.
- Machine authentication: Preshared keys (a.k.a., shared secret).
When using Meraki hosted authentication, VPN account/user name setting on client devices (e.g., PC or Mac) is the user email address entered in the Dashboard.
Open Start Menu > Control Panel, click on Network and Internet, click on View network status and tasks.
In the Set up a connection or network pop-up window, choose Connect to a workplace (Set up a dial-up or VPN connection to your workplace).
Choose Use my Internet connection (VPN), in the Connect to a workspace dialog window.
In the Connect to a Workplace dialog box, enter:
- Internet address: Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
- Destination name:This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
Choose 'Don't connect now; just set it up so that I can connect later' option.
Click Next. In the next dialog window, enter the user credentials, and click Create.
Cisco Vpn Client For Mac
Despite the name 'Unencrypted PAP', the client's password is sent encrypted over an IPsec tunnel between the client device and the MX. The password is fully secure and never sent in clear text over either the WAN or the LAN.
Windows 8
Currently only the following authentication mechanisms are supported:
- User authentication: Active Directory (AD), RADIUS, or Meraki hosted authentication.
- Machine authentication: Preshared keys (a.k.a., shared secret).
When using Meraki hosted authentication, VPN account/user name setting on client devices (e.g., PC or Mac) is the user email address entered in the Dashboard.
Open Start Menu > Network and Sharing Center and click Settings.
In the Set Up a Connection or Network pop-up window, choose Connect to a workplace.
(Set up a dial-up or VPN connection to your workplace).
Choose Use my Internet connection (VPN), in the Connect to a Workspace dialog window.
In the Connect to a Workplace dialog box, enter:
- Internet address: Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
- Destination name:This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
Go back to Network and Sharing Center and click Change Adapter Settings.
Vpn Connection Client For Mac Client
Vpn Connection Client For Mac Catalina
Despite the name 'Unencrypted PAP', the client's password is sent encrypted over an IPsec tunnel between the client device and the MX. The password is fully secure and never sent in clear text over either the WAN or the LAN.
Windows 10
Currently only the following authentication mechanisms are supported:
- User authentication: Active Directory (AD), RADIUS, or Meraki hosted authentication.
- Machine authentication: Preshared keys (a.k.a., shared secret).
When using Meraki hosted authentication, VPN account/user name setting on client devices (e.g., PC or Mac) is the user email address entered in the Dashboard.
Open Start Menu > Search 'VPN' > Click Change virtual private networks (VPN)
From the VPN settings page, click Add a VPN connection.
In the Add a VPN connection dialog:
- VPN provider: Set to Windows (built-in)
- Connection name: This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
- Server name or address: Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
- VPN type: Select L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key
- User name and Password: optional
Press Save.
After the VPN connection has been created, click Change adapter options under Related settings.
Right-click on the VPN Connection from the list of adapters and click Properties.
Despite the name 'Unencrypted PAP', the client's password is sent encrypted over an IPsec tunnel between the client device and the MX. The password is fully secure and never sent in clear text over either the WAN or the LAN.
In Advanced Properties dialog box, choose 'Use preshared key for authentication' and enter the pre-shared key that admin created in Security appliance >Configure > Client VPN settings.
Back at the Network Connections window, right-click on the VPN connection and click Connect / Disconnect.
Find your VPN profile and click Connect.
Windows XP
Currently only the following authentication mechanisms are supported:
- User authentication: Active Directory (AD), RADIUS, or Meraki hosted authentication.
- Machine authentication: Preshared keys (a.k.a., shared secret).
When using Meraki hosted authentication, use the email address for VPN account / user name.
Open Start Menu > Control Panel, click on Network Connections.
In the Network Tasks section, click on Create a new connection.
Choose Connect to the network at my workplace, in the New Connection Wizard window.
Choose Virtual Private Network connection in the next section.
Then, give a name for this connection. This can be anything you want to name this connection, for example, 'Work VPN.'
Enter the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
In the Connect <Connection Name> box, click on Properties
In the General tab, verify the hostname (e.g. .com)orthe active WAN IP (e.g. XXX.XXX.XXX). Hostname is encouraged instead of active WAN IP because it is more reliable in cases of WAN failover. Admin can find them in Dashboard, under Security appliance > Monitor > Appliance status.
Despite the name 'Unencrypted PAP', the client's password is sent encrypted over an IPsec tunnel between the client device and the MX. The password is fully secure and never sent in clear text over either the WAN or the LAN.
Linux
Global Vpn Client For Mac
Since Client VPN uses the L2TP over IPsec standard, any Linux client that properly supports this standard should suffice. Please note that newer versions of Ubuntu do not ship with a VPN client that supports L2TP/IP, and will therefore require a 3rd party VPN client that supports the protocol.
Mac Vpn Client Free
Note: The xl2tp package does not send user credentials properly to the MX when using Meraki Cloud Controller authentication, and this causes the authentication request to fail. Active Directory or RADIUS authentication can be used instead for successful authentication.