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Mac OS X Installation Instructions

Two versions of the Mac OS X PAL client are available: a command-line client and a graphical user interface (GUI) client. The command-line client is best suited for users familiar with Mac OS X's BSD Unix underpinnings, as it must be installed and run using a Terminal window. For users who prefer an application with a graphical interface, an application icon that they can place in the Dock, and so forth, the PAL GUI client is recommended.

Installing the Command-Line Client

I. Log in to your Mac using an administrator account

In order to install software on your Mac from the command line, you must have administrative privileges. If you've set up your Mac for use with multiple accounts, be sure that you're logged in using one with administrative access. Once the client is installed, it can be run from any user account.

II. Download Software

The Mac OS X command-line client software is available at http://www.itap.purdue.edu/airlink/software/vpnclient-darwin-3.6.2.Rel-k9.tar.gz.

The remainder of the installation procedure must be performed from the command line. To bring up the command line interface for you Mac, open the "Terminal" application (located in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder).

III. Extract Program Files

To extract the installation files to a directory, type the following command at the prompt in your Terminal window:

tar -xzvf vpnclient-darwin-3.6.2.Rel-k9.tar.gz

A directory called 'vpnclient' will be created in your current directory.

IV. Install VPN Client

*Note - You must have your kernel sources installed in order to setup the vpn client.

Type cd vpnclient to move into the proper directory. Next you will need to launch the install program so type ./vpn_install. You will now be asked a series of questions regarding where you want the software installed, whether or not to activate the client at boot, and the directory where your kernel sources are installed. (If you are unsure how to answer these questions, you can simply hit Return at the prompts and the installer will automatically create the appropriate default directories, and set the client to activate at boot.) After answering the questions, the install script will compile a cisco_ipsec module.

If you receive an error message indicating that you do not have permission to install software, you can use the "sudo" command to provide administrative authority for running the install command. Type sudo ./vpn_install and enter your account password at the prompt, and then continue as described above.

V. Starting the VPN Client

Once the client software has been installed, you will need to activate it. You can accomplish this by restarting your computer, or by typing:

/System/Library/StartupItems/CiscoVPN/CiscoVPN start

This will load the cisco_ipsec kernel module.

VI. Connecting to the wireless network

To connect to the wireless network, type the following:

vpnclient connect purdue_wireless

This will start the client and you will be prompted for your Purdue Career Account username and password. Once authenticated, you can browse the Internet just like you would on any wired computer.

VII. Using the CLI Client

The VPN CLI client can only be run from the command line. This means that anytime you want to connect to Purdue Air Link, you will need to open the Terminal application and enter vpnclient connect purdue_wireless at the prompt.

To put the VPN Client process in the background, type ctrl-z.

To disconnect from the VPN, you can either kill the process manually or type vpnclient disconnect.

For other options, type vpnclient and a list of commands will be displayed.

 

Installating the GUI Client

I. Log in to your Mac using an administrator account

In order to install software on your Mac, you must have administrative privileges. If you've set up your Mac for use with multiple accounts, be sure that you're logged in using one with administrative access. Once the client is installed, it can be run from any user account.

II. Download Software

The Mac OS X GUI client software is available at: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/airlink/software/vpnclient-darwin-4.0.Rel-GUI-k9.tar.gz.

III. Extract Program Files

Stuffit should automatically extract the downloaded file to a folder on your desktop. If it doesn't, you can extract the file manually by launching the Stuffit Expander application and dragging-and-dropping the file onto the "Drag your files here" window.

IV. Install VPN Client

Open the folder.You will see two files: CiscoVPN and Purdue_Wireless.pcf

Double-click on CiscoVPN to run the installation program. When prompted by the installer, select all the defaults. The installer will place an icon for the client in your dock.

After you finish installing, launch the client. Click on "Import" and select the Purdue_Wireless.pcf file that is in the folder on your desktop.It should now appear in the "Connection Entries" tab.

V. Connecting to the wireless network

Launch the GUI VPN client application. on the "Connection Entries" tab, highlight the "Purdue_Wireless" entry. Click "Connect."

At the prompt enter your Purdue Career Account ID in the "Username" field and your Career Account password in the "Password" field and click "OK."

Once the VPN connection is established, you can go about your normal internet activity. When you are finished, click "Disconnect" and quit the application.