L2TP

Overview

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is a tunneling protocol used to support virtual private networks (VPNs) or as part of the delivery of service by ISPs. It does not provide any encryption or confidentiality by itself, so we use IPSec for encryption. The purpose of VPN is to access campus resources that require you to be behind the firewall (i.e. on campus) when you are located off-campus. 

NOTE: As of October 1st, 2018, any campus member wishing to use VPN must be enrolled in Duo to use it. For more information, please visit Duo and VPN.

L2TP for Android

The following information is needed to connect to Texas A&M University’s VPN:

• Username: your NetID
• Password: your NetID password
• Server address: connect.tamu.edu
• IPSec pre-shared key: tamuvpn

NOTE: Android versions 12 or higher no longer support L2TP. Campus members can install the Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect) app from the Play Store to connect to TAMU VPN.

NOTE: Some Android devices may have a different appearance.
 

Configuring a VPN connection

1. From your device's main menu, tap Settings [fig. 01]. 
   
   [fig. 01 – Settings]
    
2. In the settings menu, under Wireless & Networks, tap on More….[fig. 02]. 
   
   [fig. 02 – More….]
    
3. Tap VPN [fig. 03]. 
   
   [fig. 03 – VPN]
    
4. If you have not set a lock screen PIN or password, you will be prompted to do so. Tap OK to set up a lock screen password [fig. 04]. 
   
   [fig. 04 – PIN prompt]
    
5. To set a new VPN configuration, tap the Plus (+) symbol [fig. 05]. 
   
   [fig. 05 – Plus symbol]
    
6. Enter the following values where asked [fig. 06]. After entering the information, click Save:
   1. Name: TAMU (or whatever you want to call it)
   2. Type: L2T/IPSEC PSK
   3. Server address: connect.tamu.edu
   4. IPSec pre-shared key: tamuvpn
   
   [fig. 06 – Entering information]
    

Using the VPN Connection

1. To connect to VPN, tap the TAMU entry. You will be asked to enter your NetID and your NetID password. To save your information for future connection attempts, put a checkmark next to “Save account information” [fig. 07]. 
   
   [fig. 07 – Entering credentials]
    
2. When you are connected to the VPN, the word “Connected” will appear below the TAMU entry. To disconnect from the VPN, tap the TAMU entry and then tap Disconnect in the connection window that appears [fig. 08]. 
   
   [fig. 08 – Connecting and disconnecting]
    

L2TP for ChromeOS

The following information is needed to connect to Texas A&M University’s VPN:

• Username: NetID
• Password: NetID Password
• Server Address: connect.tamu.edu
• Key: tamuvpn
   

Configuring a VPN Connection

1. Left-click the Wi-Fi status icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, where your account picture is located [fig. 01]. 
   
   [fig. 01 - WiFi status icon]
    
2. Choose Settings [fig. 02].  
   
   [fig. 02 - Settings]
    
3. In the “Internet Connection” section, click Add Connection then Add private network [fig. 03]. 
   
   [fig. 03 - Internet Connection]
    

Using the VPN Connection

1. In the box that appears, verify the following information is correct. The OTP and Group Name boxes can be left empty. Then click Connect [fig. 04].
   • IP Address or Server Host Name: connect.tamu.edu
   • Service Name: TAMU VPN (or whatever you want to name it)
   • Provider Type: L2TP/IPsec + pre-shared key
   • Pre-shared Key: tamuvpn
   • CA Certificate: Default
   • User Certificate: None Installed
   • Username: NetID
   • Password: NetID password
   
   
   [fig. 04 - Adding New Network]
    
2. TAMU VPN will now appear as a recognized network under “Private Network” [fig. 05]. 
   
   [fig. 05 - Recognized Network]
    
3. To connect to TAMU VPN, click on the WiFi status icon and then Settings [fig. 06]. 
   
   [fig. 06 - Connect to VPN]
    
4. Click on Private Network [fig. 07]. 
   
   [fig. 07 - Private Network]
    
5. Choose TAMU VPN [fig. 08]. 
   
   [fig. 08 - TAMU VPN]
    
6. Click Connect [fig. 09]. 
   
   [fig. 09 - Connect]
    
7. To disconnect, follow steps 3 through 5 in this section. After opening the TAMU VPN network information, click Disconnect [fig. 10].  
   
   [fig. 10 - Disconnect]

L2TP for Mac OS X

The following information is needed to connect to Texas A&M University's VPN:

• Username: Your NetID
• Password: Your NetID password
• Sever Address: connect.tamu.edu
• VPN Type: L2TP over IPSec
• Shared Secret: tamuvpn
   

Configuring a VPN Connection

1. Open your System Preferences and choose Network.
2. Click on VPN & Filters.
   
   
    
3. Click on Add VPN Connection and then select L2TP over IPSec.
   
4. Enter connect.tamu.edu for the sever address.
5. Enter your NetID for the Account name.
6. Enter your NetID Password for the password.
7. Enter tamuvpn for the Shared secret.
8. Click Create.
   
   

Using the VPN connection

1. Open your System Settings and choose Network.
2. Click on VPN & Filters.
3. Click the toggle button to the right of your L2TP connection.
4. Authenticate via Duo Push.
    

L2TP for Windows 10

The following information is needed to connected to a VPN in Windows 10:

• VPN Provider: Windows (built-in)
• Server name or Address: connect.tamu.edu
• Type of sign-in info: User name and password
• Username: NetID
• Password: NetID password
• VPN Type: L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key
• Key: tamuvpn
   

Configuring a VPN

1. Click the Start button of Windows 10 and click on the cog wheel that is located just above the power button; this will bring you to the Settings of Windows 10. Choose Network & Internet. 
   
    
2. On the left-hand side of the screen, click on VPN. Select Add a VPN connection.
    
    
3. You will now have to configure the L2TP connection. The following image highlights the necessary information. The connection name can be anything you want, the pre-shared key is tamuvpn, and the username and password is going to be your NetID and respective NetID password. 
   
    
4. Click on the new VPN profile and select Connect. 
   

L2TP for iPad

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap General
3. Tap VPN
4. Tap Add VPN Configuration
5. Enter the following information:
   • Type: L2PT
   • Description: TAMU VPN (or whatever you would like)
   • Server: connect.tamu.edu
   • Account: your NetID
   • RSA SecurID: Disabled
   • Password: your NetID password
   • Secret: tamuvpn
   • Send All Traffic: enabled