VPN Connections
The VPNs of macOS, one click away, with live traffic, and brought up by themselves when a host needs them.
The VPN Connections tool keeps shortcuts to the VPNs configured in macOS, including those that third-party apps install. Each one has a name, description, color, icon and type. macOS owns the tunnel and its credentials; the app stores none.
Each row shows a bar in the color of its state (it blinks like a router LED while data flows), the type, icon and name. While connected, it shows the time connected, bytes received and sent, and the current rate. Otherwise it shows how long ago it went down. The button at the end connects (lightning bolt) or disconnects. The header counts how many are connected.
Hosts can name a VPN. Opening a session of such a host brings the VPN up first, and the Remote Hosts dot turns amber while a VPN on the way is down. Connections, drops and VPNs that came up outside the app go to the log; a VPN that drops by itself, or comes back, is also told in Notifications.
What it does
- Shortcuts to system VPNs (IKEv2, IPSec, L2TP and third-party).
- Live time connected, bytes and rate, read every 2 seconds while on screen.
- Connect or disconnect in one click; Edit (a form) and Delete in the row menu.
- Automatic VPN bring-up for hosts behind it.
How it behaves
- Readings stop while the tool is not on screen.
Why it matters
- No more "connect the VPN, then the bastion, then the server".