Using a Preshared Key

This chapter describes the configuration of Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 for using a preshared key as L2TP over IPsec authentication.

Configure Windows 7

1. Click Start and then Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, click Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click Set up a new connection or network.

   The Set up a Connection or Network assistant opens.

4. Click Connect to a workplace and Next.

5. Define the dial-up internet connection.

   If you have a permanent connection to the internet, select the Use my internet connection (VPN) option. Otherwise, click Dial directly, and then select your dial-up internet connection from the list.

6. Click Next.

7. Enter the hostname or the IP address of the gateway you want to connect to.

8. Enter a descriptive name for the connection.

9. Optional: Select the following options if required:

   Allow other people to use this connection: Select this option if you want the connection to be available to anyone who signs in to the client.

   Don't connect now; just set it up so I can connect later: Select this option if you want to use the connection later.

10. Click Next.

11. Enter the user credentials.

    Enter the User name and Password (Remote User Account).

12. Click Create.

    The assistant closes.

13. In the Network and Sharing Center, click Connect to a network.

    A list with the available network connection opens.

14. Right-click the new connection and select Properties.

    The Connection Properties dialog box opens.

15. Select the Security tab.

16. In the Type of VPN section select Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPsec).

17. Click the Advanced settings button.

    Select Use preshared key for authentication, enter the Preshared Key, and click OK.

18. Set the Data encryption option to Optional encryption (connect even if no encryption).

To close the dialog box, click OK.

Now you can directly establish the connection in the sign-in window.