# Connection

The **Connection** tab page allows you to specify connection settings and logon information.

<figure><img src="/files/gYKaPjrOfLxTcseRO2OI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Configuring the Primary Connection**

On the **Connection** tab page, you can define a *primary connection* and one or more *secondary connections*.

The primary connection is what Parallels Client will use first to connect to the specified server. This should be the server where the primary RAS Secure Gateway is running.

To specify the primary connection information:

1. In the **Primary Connection** field, specify the server name or IP address. To connect to a specific RAS Theme, specify its name after the server name or IP address separated by a slash. For example, workspaceus.parallelsras.net/theme1. If not sure which Theme you should use, ask your system administrator.
2. In the **Connection Mode** drop-down list, select one of the following options:
   * **Gateway Mode**. Parallels Client connects to the RAS Secure Gateway and the session connection is tunneled through the first available connection. This mode is ideal for servers which are only reachable via the gateway and do not require a high level of security.
   * **Gateway SSL Mode**. Same as the gateway mode above, but uses encryption to secure the data.
   * **Direct Mode**. Parallels Client first connects to the RAS Secure Gateway for the best available terminal server and then connects directly to that particular server.  This is best used when the Parallels Client and the terminal server are on the same network.
   * **Direct SSL Mode**. Same as the direct mode above, but uses encryption to secure the data.
3. In the **Port** field, specify the port on which the gateway listens for incoming connections. If the default value (80) has been modified on the server side, you have to replace the default value here as well. Ask your system administrator about the port number if you are having a problem connecting to the server.
4. In the **Friendly Name** field, choose and type a name of your choice, so you could easily identify the server in Parallels Client later.

## **Configuring a Secondary Connection**

If the Parallels RAS farm that you are connecting to has more than one RAS Secure Gateway, you can define a secondary connection, which will be used as a backup connection in case the primary gateway connection fails.

To add a secondary connection:

1. Click the **Secondary Connections** button.
2. In the **Secondary Connections** dialog, click the **Add** button and specify a server name or IP address. This should be a server hosting a secondary RAS Secure Gateway (the primary gateway is used by the primary connection).
3. Select the connection mode and modify the port number if necessary. Click **OK** and then click **OK** again to return to the **Connection Properties** dialog.

## **Configuring the Logon Information**

In the **Logon** section, specify the following properties:

1. Select the **Auto Logon** option to enable Parallels Client to connect automatically (using this connection) on startup.
2. In the **Authentication type** drop-down list, select the desired method of authentication:
   * **Credentials**. Select this option and then enter the username, password, and domain information. You will be authenticated on the remote server using the specified credentials. Please note that if the password specified in the connection properties has expired or will expire soon, you will see a corresponding message on the screen when trying to connect to Parallels RAS. If the password has expired, you'll be asked to change it. If the password will expire soon, you will be offered to change it now or later. Follow the onscreen instructions and change your password.
   * **Single Sign-On**. This option will be included in the list only if the Single Sign-On module is installed during Parallels Client installation. Select this option to use local system credentials to connect to the remote server.
   * **Web**. Select this option to use the SAML SSO authentication.
   * **Smart Card**. Select this option to authenticate using a smart card. When connecting to the remote server, insert a smart card into the card reader and then enter a PIN when prompted.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** Smart card authentication is not supported in Parallels Client for Linux.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note for Administrators:** The allowed authentication type(s) must be specified in the RAS Console in **Connection** / **Authentication**.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.parallels.com/landing/ras-linux-client-guide/v20/using-parallels-client-for-linux/configuring-a-ras-connection/connection.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.