How to connect to the University of Tsukuba VPN Services using L2TP/IPsec VPN protocol

Here we will explain how to connect to the University of Tsukuba VPN Services using the L2TP/IPsec VPN Client attached to the OS.

Since L2TP/IPsec VPN Client is an accessory to OS like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android by default, the initial VPN connection settings can be made relatively easier compared to methods using OpenVPN. For that reason, we recommend you try using L2TP/IPsec first, before using OpenVPN. Some network environment and firewalls will block the L2TP/IPsec communications. In those cases, please try using OpenVPN.

Connection Parameters of L2TP/IPsec

If you already know how to make settings in each OS, you can enter the following setting parameters and connect with L2TP/IPsec protocol.

Select the OS

• Windows
• Mac
• iPhone / iPad
• Android

How to set on Windows (L2TP/IPsec VPN)

Here, we will explain how to make VPN connections using L2TP/IPsec VPN Client, a standard feature in Windows XP, 7, 8, RT, Server 2003, 2008, 2012.

• Click here for how to use SoftEther VPN Client
  The setting method of L2TP on Windows is a little complicated.
  If you are using Windows, then connections will be more stable, faster and easier using SoftEther VPN Client.

On this page, we will explain using the Windows 7 screen as an example. The basic setting methods on OS like Windows XP, Windows 8 or later are the same, however, some operations are slightly different.

1. 初期設定 (最初の 1 回のみ)

Right-click the network icon in the bottom right of the Windows screen and click "Open Network and Sharing Center."

After the network and sharing center is open, click "Set up a new connection or network."

Select "Connect to a workplace."

Select "Use my Internet connection (VPN)."

Enter "campus-vpn.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp" in the "Internet Address" field.

After entering the "Internet Address" field, always check the "Don't connect now; just set up so I can connect later" box at the bottom of the screen and click "Next."

When a screen to enter your User Name and Password is displayed, enter the fields as follows.

After entering your password, check the "Remember this Password" box and click "Next."

When "The connection is ready for use" is displayed, click "Close." Don't click "Connect now" at this point yet.

From the "Network and Sharing Center" screen, click on "Change adapter settings."

The currently defined VPN connections will be displayed. Right-click the VPN connection setting you created in the previous step and click "Properties."

When the Properties are displayed, click on the "Security" tab (with Windows XP, click on the "Network" tab). Select "Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPSec)" from the "Type of VPN" drop-down list.

プロパティが表示されたら、「セキュリティ」タブをクリックしてください (Windows XP の場合は「ネットワーク」タブをクリックしてください)。「VPN の種類」のドロップダウンリストから「IPsec を利用したレイヤー 2 トンネリング プロトコル (L2TP/IPsec)」を選択します。

Next, click the "Advanced settings" button. (In Windows XP, click the "IPsec Settings" on the "Security" tab.)

The following screen will appear. Click "Use preshared key for authentication" and input "vpn" (3-letters) in the "Key" field.

After the above settings are completed, click "OK" and close the "Advanced Properties" screen.

Next, open the "Network" tab. The following screen will be displayed. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."

The IPv4 properties screen will open. Click on "Advanced settings."

The "Advanced TCP/IP Settings" screen will open. Remove the check from the "Use default gateway on remote network" check box.
If the check is left inside "Use default gateway on remote network," only communications with hosts configured for VPN communication inside the University of Tsukuba campus can be made, and Internet communications with any host will not be possible. Please always remove the check mark.

After the above settings are completed, click "OK" three times and close the properties screen.

2. Connecting to the VPN server

After clicking and activating the created VPN connection, the following screen will be displayed.
The previously entered values should be saved inside the User Name and Password fields. If they are not saved, please enter as follows.

If you click "Connect," the VPN connection will start.

A screen like the one below will be displayed during VPN connections. If an error occurs during the connection, please check if the type of VPN in the explanation above is set to L2TP/IPsec, and recheck to see if the Preshared key has been set correctly.

When the VPN connection is done, a VPN connection icon will be displayed when the network icon in the bottom right of the Windows screen is clicked as in the following diagram, and the status will become "Connected."
Furthermore, to make subsequent VPN connections, you will only have to click this screen's icon.

How to connect on Mac (L2TP/IPsec VPN)

Here, we wil explain how to make VPN connections using L2TP/IPsec VPN Client, a standard feature in Mac OS X.

On this page, we will explain using the Mac OS X Mountain Lion screen as an example. The basic setting methods are the same as with other versions, however, some operations are slightly different.

The screen shots below are all taken from the English version of Mac OS X. When using Mac OS X with other languages, a different language than that of these screen shots will be displayed. Even in such cases, by reading the following explanations, you should be able to make the settings easily.

1. Initial configuration (Only once the first time)

Click the network icon in the top right of the Mac screen. After the menu is displayed, click on "Open Network Preferences..."

The network settings screen will be displayed. Click the "+" button in the bottom left.

A screen like the one in the following diagram will be displayed. From "Interface," select "VPN" and from "VPN Type" select "L2TP over IPSec" and click "Create."

A new L2TP VPN connection setting will be created and the settings screen will be displayed. Please set as follows.

Next, click the "Authentication Settings..." button.

After the Authentication Settings screen is displayed, enter as follows.

After the screen returns to its previous state, check "Show VPN status in menu bar" and click on the "Advanced..." button.

After the Advanced settings screen is displayed, remove the check from "Send all traffic over VPN connection" and click "OK."
If the check is left inside "Send all traffic over VPN connection," only communications with hosts configured for VPN communication inside the University of Tsukuba campus can be made, and Internet communications with any host will not be possible. Please always remove the check mark.

After the screen returns to the previous VPN connection settings screen, click "Connect" and VPN connections will start.

2. VPN Connection

VPN connections can be made anytime by opening the VPN connection settings screen as explained above and clicking "Connect." As well, connections can also be made from the VPN icon displayed in the menu bar.

During VPN connections, the VPN connection settings screen will display "Connected" as shown below, and connection times and IP addresses in the VPN will also be displayed.

How to connect on iPhone / iPad (L2TP/IPsec VPN)

Here, we will explain how to make VPN connections using L2TP/IPsec VPN Client, a standard feature in the iPhone / iPad.

On this page, we will explain using the iOS 6 screen as an example. The basic setting methods are the same as with other versions, however, some operations are slightly different.

The screen shots below are all taken from the English version of iOS. When using iOS with other languages, a different language than that of these screen shots will be displayed. Even in such cases, by reading the following explanations, you should be able to make the settings easily.

1. Initial configuration (Only once the first time)

From the iOS main screen, activate the "Settings" app.
From "General," open "VPN" and tap on "Add VPN Configuration..."

A new L2TP VPN connection setting will be created and the settings screen will be displayed. Please enter as follows.

After entering, tap on "Save."

2. VPN Connection

VPN connections can be made any time after a VPN connection setting has been added.
After selecting the VPN connection setting, click the "OFF" button and VPN connections will start.

During VPN communications, the current VPN connection's duration, destination and IP address in the VPN will be displayed in the "Status" screen. There will be cases when the destination IP may display "1.0.0.1." However, this is normal behavior.

How to connect on Android (L2TP/IPsec VPN)

Here, we will explain how to make VPN connections using L2TP/IPsec VPN Client, a standard feature in Android .

On this page, we will explain using the Android 4.x screen as an example. The basic setting methods are the same as with other versions, however, some operations are slightly different. As well, there are cases when the screens have been customized by the cell phone or tablet manufacturer.

The screen shots below are all taken from the English version of Android. When using Android with other languages, a different language than that of these screen shots will be displayed. Even in such cases, by reading the following explanations, you should be able to make the settings easily.

1. Initial configuration (Only once the first time)

Activate the "Settings" app in Android.
From "Wireless & Networks" category, open "More..." and then open "VPN."
Click "Add VPN profile" and create a new VPN connection setting.

The edit screen for the new VPN connection setting will be displayed. Please enter an appropriate name (like "vpn") in the "Name" field and in the "Type" field select "L2TP/IPSec PSK."

Other setting items will be entered as follows.

Scroll further down the setting items and enter the following items. Depending on the Android version, an entry field will not be displayed unless "Show advanced options" is checked, so please insert a check.

Enter "vpn" (3 letters) in the "IPSec pre-shared key" field.

Enter "130.158.0.0/16 133.51.0.0/16" in the "Forwarding routes" field. Please be careful because VPN communications cannot be made unless the Forwarding routes are properly input.

After all the items are entered, tap "Save" to save the VPN connection setting.

2. VPN Connection

VPN connections can be made any time after a VPN connection setting has been created. After tapping the VPN connection setting, the following screen will be displayed.

Here, the "Username" and "Password" must be designated only for the first time.

If you tap on "Connect," the VPN connection will start.

When the VPN connection is complete, "Connected" will be displayed below the VPN connection settings. As well, the status display screen will display "VPN activated" and by tapping on it, the status of the VPN connection will be displayed.

If the VPN connection of L2TP/IPsec fails

• The Preshared key is "vpn" (3 letters). Please check if you have not forgotten to enter the Preshared key.
• There is a possibility that the firewall of your local network above is blocking 2TP/IPsec communication. In this case, L2TP cannot be used.
  In the case of Windows, please try using SoftEther VPN Client, and for Mac, iOS, Android, please try OpenVPN.