> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.glesys.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.glesys.com/products/connectivity/network-services/virtual-private-network-vpn/how-tos/connect-to-the-vpn.md).

# Connect to the VPN

***

To connect to the VPN service, you need to configure a VPN client on your local computer. This process varies between different operating systems.

## Details about the tunnel <a href="#details-about-the-tunnel" id="details-about-the-tunnel"></a>

The VPN service is an L2TP/IPsec based tunnel. The username and password are the same as you chose when creating the VPN user. The address for the VPN service is [*vpn.glesys.com*](http://vpn.glesys.com). L2TP over IPsec requires a shared secret. The shared secret is *GleSYS*.

## Configure and connect to the VPN on different operating systems

How you configure the VPN client and connect to the VPN varies between different operating systems. Here, you'll find detailed instructions for Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Ubuntu 22.04 Desktop" %}
Before you can configure L2TP/IPsec in Ubuntu 22.04, we need to install some packages. We do this by opening the terminal and executing the following commands:

{% code title="Multiple commands" %}

```terminal
sudo apt update
sudo apt install network-manager-l2tp
sudo apt install network-manager-l2tp-gnome
```

{% endcode %}

Now, click the network icon in the top right corner and select **Settings**.

<figure><img src="/files/neV8snVp3TCRhK4VcJ8D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select the **Network** tab and click on the plus sign next to **VPN**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/xod6hePJUEKCmxI7P7wF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

In the next dialog box, select **Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/evauhTaCGPLiOxf9accJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

In the next dialog box, fill in the details for the VPN connection.

* **Name:** GleSYS
* **Gateway:** [vpn.glesys.com](http://vpn.glesys.com)
* **Type:** Password
* **User name:** the username we chose when we created the tunnel
* **Password:** the password we chose when we created the tunnel

When you are done, click on **IPsec Settings...**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/fmgQT0Vlnp2ZS8kO4Hly" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

When the dialog box for *IPsec Settings* opens, check the box **Enable IPsec tunnel to L2TP host**. For *Type*, select **Pre-shared key**. In the *Pre-shared key* field, enter *GleSYS*. Click **OK** to save.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/HD3hWqNOWPf3yHhKdBrL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You will now be returned to the dialog box for the VPN details. At this point, click on **PPP Settings...**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/aADy27jD025KHFHYpeSY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

In the *L2TP PPP Options* dialog box, make sure everything looks like in the image below and then click **OK**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/hW6iuRFonP1jKfOUhEHH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You are now returned to the dialog box for the VPN details again. At this point, click the green **Add** button to save all the details and add the VPN connection.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/2C0pxYvSI8PNAjZ4J5d9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Connect to VPN

To connect to the VPN, navigate to the settings again as before, select the **Network** tab, and then click the toggle next to *Glesys VPN*.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/QZbj2cPUFw8Q8anv6csb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Windows 11" %}
Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar and select **Network and Internet settings**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/1fgx38gc6Qo6x5vhajIL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

In the dialog box that opens, click on **VPN**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/4EjBugTDVNLfvH2UTuvw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

In the next dialog box, click **Add VPN**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/RPU6vk5Hm7kGhQhq2f1d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

A window will now open where you fill in all the details for the VPN connection. Leave the top field, *VPN Provider*, to **Windows (built-in)**. Then, enter the connection details.

* **VPN provider:** Windows (built-in)
* **Connection name:** GleSYS
* **Server name or address:** [vpn.glesys.com](http://vpn.glesys.com)
* **VPN type:** L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key
* **Pre-shared key:** GleSYS
* **Type of sign-in info:** Username and password
* **Username (optional):** the username we chose when creating the connection
* **Password (optional):** the password we chose when creating the connection

Once all the fields are filled in, click on **Save**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/1lBYH7rVPvQlK0LIdojO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Connect to the VPN

To connect to the tunnel, open *Network and Internet settings* again and click on **VPN**. Then, click **Connect** next to *Glesys*.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/SnhbFJJ96JBDR68mqo7Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="macOS" %}
Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner and then select **System Settings**. Once the settings application has opened, select **Network**. Then, click on the three dots and choose **Add VPN Configuration**, followed by **L2TP over IPSec...**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/U5e32t3KRlSuuSmJLHdC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Fill in all the details for the VPN connection.

* **Display Name:** GleSYS
* **Server address:** [vpn.glesys.com](http://vpn.glesys.com)
* **Account Name:** the name we chose when creating the VPN user
* **Password:** the password we chose when creating the VPN user
* **Shared secret:** GleSYS

Once all the details are filled in, click **Create**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/IMKMsQctGnJnKmuX8jVM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Connect to the VPN

To connect to the tunnel, open the network settings again and click on VPN in the list.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/iiXUy8TFKfSELodU2kyj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Activate the connection by clicking the toggle for the connection named *Glesys*.

<figure><img src="/files/jaBl6O23UAJhKeo8ziGL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


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