Connecting OS X to an IPSec VPN

Question

The company I work for provide VPN access using the FortiClient for Windows. This is great for people running Windows but I also wish the connect using OS X.

As far as I can tell the VPN connection is made using IPSec for which OS X can create a connection. Should it be possible or is FortiClient using something proprietary?

If it is possible what will I need to set up the connection on OS X? For Windows our IT department provide a configuration file but this is specific for FortiClient.

Answer 1

A quick Google revealed this link, which includes information you may find of use.

Answer 2

For IPSec, the built-in OS X client can do both L2TP and Cisco VPNs. If one of these basic systems is used then the built in client should work with the right settings.

In the past (when OS X 10.4 was the latest version), I've used a FortiClient VPN client with OS X. If they are using a proprietary IPSec implementation, they should still supply the OS X client to companies that are using their system.

I recommend talking to your company's IT folks for either config options or the client software.

Answer 3

There are two other great IPsec VPN Clients:

• IPSecuritas (Free): http://www.lobotomo.com/products/IPSecuritas/
• Shimo (Paid): http://www.chungwasoft.com/Shimo/

I currently use IPSecuritas to connect to many standard IPsec VPNs.