CITES VPN for Guests Using Macs

This page has information for guests of the University of Illinois who wish to use the CITES VPN on their Mac OS X computers.

First step, getting a guest account

Before you can access the CITES VPN, you must have a guest account. To find out more information about guest accounts, visit the Guests homepage.

If you already have a guest account, please continue reading for instructions on how to access the CITES VPN.

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Configuration

1. Double-click on the Macintosh HD on your desktop to open the Finder window.

2. Select Applications.

3. Choose Internet Connect.
Show Internet Connect window image

4. Click on the VPN icon in your Internet Connect window.

• If you have ever configured your computer for a VPN connection, your VPN icon will look like this:
  
  If this is what your VPN icon looks like, please go to step 7.
  
  
• If you have never configured your computer for a VPN connection, your VPN icon will look like this:
  
  If this is what your VPN icon looks like, please go to step 5.
  
  

5. If you have never configured your computer for a VPN conection before, a pop-up window will appear that says, "Your computer needs to be set up to make VPN connections." Choose PPTP.

Show pop-up window image

6. Click Continue.

Note: If you have set your computer's System Preferences to prompt you to authenticate before installing an application, you will see a pop-up window asking you to enter your password. Once you've entered your password, click OK.

Show authentication window image

7. Next to the Configuration field, select Edit Configurations in the drop-down menu.

Show Edit Configurations drop-down menu image

8. Enter the following information:

Description: CITES VPN (or a name of your choosing)
Server Address: vpn3.near.uiuc.edu
Account Name: Your GuestID
User Authentication: Password: Leave this field blank*
Encryption: Maximum (128 bit only) from the drop-down menu
Advanced: Enable VPN on demand: Leave this box unchecked

*Note: Leaving the User Authentication field blank will require you to enter your password each time you log into the CITES VPN. CITES does not recommend storing your password or sharing it among other users of the computer. If your laptop is lost or stolen, for example, the thief could use your credentials to cause trouble that would be associated with your NetID.

Show configuration window image

9. Click OK. You will be returned to the main Internet Connect window.

10. If it is not already checked, check the Show VPN status in menu bar box.

Show Internet Connect window image

 

11. Click Connect.

12. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to enter your password. Enter your guest password here.

Show password pop-up window image

 

13. Click OK.

14. You will now be connected to the CITES VPN. The CITES VPN icon in your menu bar should show four white bars and display how long you have been connected to the CITES VPN.

Disconnecting from the CITES VPN

1. Click on the CITES VPN icon in your menu bar.

2. Select Disconnect.

3. You will now be disconnected from the CITES VPN. The CITES VPN icon in your menu bar should be darkened, with no time displayed.

Help

For more help, see the CITES VPN FAQs page or contact the CITES Help Desk.