Configuring Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" for Lehigh's VPN

Please Note: Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger" uses a slightly different procedure (see the Tiger Installer instead.)

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, connection is required for accessing many of Lehigh's network resources from an off-campus location. Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" supports the PPTP-type VPN connection used at Lehigh. A VPN configuration file is available for download that automatically configures most of the appropriate settings for Lehigh's VPN, but a few of the settings must be configured manually.

Step 1 : Download the Lehigh VPN Configuration File.

Download the file LehighVPNLeopard.dmg (450K disk image). The disk image will mount a volume on the desktop named "LehighVPNLeopard" and display its contents. Double-click the .dmg file if it does not mount automatically.

Double-click on the file named LehighVPNLeopard.networkConnect. The Network System Preferences pane will open automatically add a new VPN(PPTP) network service created with Lehigh-specific settings. Your screen should appear similar to the image shown below.

Note that to make changes on any of the Network preference screens shown here, the yellow padlock graphic in the lower left corner should appear unlocked. If it's locked, you should click on the lock and enter your username and password. You may need to be logged into Mac OS X as an administrative user with privileges to make these changes.

Step 2: Add Your UserID to the Lehigh VPN Configuration

In the Account Name: field enter your Lehigh ID (e.g. dbp0).

Step 3: Configure Advanced VPN Settings.

Click the Advanced button in the lower right corner of the Network preference pane, then click on the DNS tab.

Click the "+" (plus symbol) below the "DNS Servers" section to add a new entry. Type "128.180.2.9". Click the "+" again to enter a second entry. Type "128.180.1.3". Next click the "+" below the Search Domains section, and type "lehigh.edu". Your results should look like the image shown below.

Click OK to return to the Network preference pane.
You must click the "Apply" button to apply these changes. Finally, close the Network preference pane.

Step 3: Test the VPN Connection

From the VPN menubar icon in the upper right corner of your screen, select "Connect".

When prompted, enter your password in the Password field. If the connection is successful, the VPN menubar icon will change to display the length of time connected. When you want to disconnect, choose Disconnect from the VPN menubar.