Connect to a VPN

A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) is a way of connecting to a local network over the internet. For example, say you want to connect to the local network at your workplace while you’re on a business trip. You would find an internet connection somewhere (like at a hotel) and then connect to your workplace’s VPN. It would be as if you were directly connected to the network at work, but the actual network connection would be through the hotel’s internet connection. VPN connections are usually encrypted to prevent people from accessing the local network you’re connecting to without logging in.

There are a number of different types of VPN. You may have to install some extra software depending on what type of VPN you’re connecting to. Find out the connection details from whoever is in charge of the VPN and see which VPN client you need to use. Then, go to the software installer application and search for the NetworkManager package which works with your VPN (if there is one) and install it.

If there isn’t a NetworkManager package for your type of VPN, you will probably have to download and install some client software from the company that provides the VPN software. You’ll probably have to follow some different instructions to get that working.

To set up the VPN connection:

  1. Open the Activities overview and start typing Network.

  2. Click on Network to open the panel.

  3. At the bottom of the list on the left, click the + button to add a new connection.

  4. Choose VPN in the interface list.

  5. Choose which kind of VPN connection you have.

  6. Fill in the VPN connection details, then press Add once you are finished.

  7. When you have finished setting up the VPN, open the system menu from the right side of the top bar, click VPN off and select Connect. You may need to enter a password for the connection before it is established. Once the connection is made, you will see a lock shaped icon in the top bar.

  8. Hopefully you will successfully connect to the VPN. If not, you may need to double-check the VPN settings you entered. You can do this from the Network panel that you used to create the connection. Select the VPN connection from the list, then press the settings button to review the settings.

  9. To disconnect from the VPN, click the system menu on the top bar and click Turn Off under the name of your VPN connection.