Enter the information from the private network’s administrator.

Enter your server address and account name.

L2TP: L2TP, typically combined with IPsec, generates the tunnel through which the encrypted data passes.

IKEv2: IKEv2 is what reconnects the computer to the network if the VPNconnection is lost.

IPsec: IPsec secures internet connections, either encrypting the entire data packet (tunneling mode) or just the data packet’s message (transport mode).

A word on the different protocol options:

Choose which VPN connection you want to set up.

Go to your Mac’s System Preferences app.

It also lacks a kill switch, so it’s not as secure as VPN apps.

Cons: Manual configuration takes a little bit to set up and connect to.

It lets you connect to a private network even if your device isn’t compatible with any apps (although that should never be the case if you’re on a Mac).

Pros: If you’re on a device that doesn’t work with your VPN app, manual configuration is an option.

Manually configuring your Mac to be on a private network isn’t the easiest of processes, but we’ll go over its pros and cons anyway. Some people may not need a VPN to encrypt their web activity and Mac IP address rather, they may want to connect to a private network remotely, like that of a school or business. Kaspersky VPN – Mac App On Manual Configuration

Download the VPN app either through the app store or from the VPN’s website directly.

Cons: Not every VPN will have apps for all of your devices, although most, if not all, have macOS apps.

VPN apps, aside from being easy to set up and use, also come with kill switches that shut down all web browsers and apps if the connection fails.

Pros: VPN apps let us connect to servers with one click and change servers with another click (think of it like Amazon’s 1-Click Ordering, but for VPNs).

When we test out VPNs, we always download the VPN’s app for macOS onto our 2011 MacBook Pro, and this is by far the most straightforward method.

However, there are a few other ways to skin the cat. The easiest way to set up a VPN on your Mac is to download the VPN app itself.

So you’ve chosen a VPN, now what? The next step is setting up the software.

Macos free vpn client