Connecting to a VPN (Mac)

Summary

This article discusses how to connect to the U-M network when you are off campus. This can be especially helpful for when you are trying to connect to an S: Drive server (or any other drives/server spaces). With VPN Client you are able to connect to services on the U-M Network as if you were in your office. This application will be especially helpful to users who have issues of port-blocking from their ISP's at home.

Environment

• macOS (Apple)
• Cisco AnyConnect
• UM VPN

Directions

Installing and using the VPN with Cisco AnyConnect Client

Please note: If your Mac is managed by LSA Technology Services, the client should already be installed on your system.

1. Go to the VPN website to download the client and follow the instructions to connect.
2. Launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client.
3. Select UMVPN - All Traffic or UMVPN - Only U-M Traffic from the profile drop-down list.
4. Click Connect.
5. When prompted, authenticate using your uniqname and UMICH password.

Connecting with the VPN using the Network Profile

Please note: This method may be available for use on managed Mac computers. If you don't see these options, use the steps listed above to use the Cisco AnyConnect Client.

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left menu bar.
2. Click "System Settings."
3. Click "VPN" or you can click "Network" → "VPN & Filters" to reach the profiles.
4. Click the Info button (the circle with the 'i' in it) to the right of each profile, "UMVPN - Only U-M Traffic" and then "UMVPN All Traffic".
5. Enter your U-M uniqname and associated password for each.
6. Click OK to save.
7. You can connect to the VPN now by moving the slider bar to the right on the "UMVPN - Only U-M Traffic" profile.  Or you can use the Cisco AnyConnect dropdown, in the top right menubar of your screen, to select a VPN profile and click "Connect."
8. The Status at the top of the window will change to "Connected", and the "UMVPN - Only U-M Traffic", in the VPN System Settings Screen, will now have a GREEN LIGHT. You are all set to use the VPN.
9. After you are done using the VPN, click "Disconnect", using the Cisco AnyConnect dropdown in the menubar, or going through System Settings to reach the VPN profiles as described above.
10. The Status will change to "Not Connected" and the "UMVPN - Only U-M Traffic" profile on the left side bar will now have a RED LIGHT.

Notes

ITS has more documentation about installation, use, and frequently asked questions.

VPN software applies encryption to your session, so you may notice slower speeds. When using the VPN on-campus-wireless connection also assigns you a public 141.211.x.x IP address. If you use a NAT router at home, be aware that your computer will have a public IP address when using VPN client that may expose your computer to unwanted port scans and break-in attempts that your NAT router may otherwise prevent.