# Connection

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## **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 established with the specified RAS Secure Gateway. 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 menu, 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.
4. In the **Friendly Name** field, choose and type a name of your choice for the connection.

## **Configuring a Secondary Connection**

If the Parallels RAS farm 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 **+** 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.
4. If you have more than one secondary connection, you can move them up or down in the list. If the primary connection cannot be established, Parallels Client will use secondary connections in the order listed.
5. Click **OK** to close the **Secondary Connections** dialog.

## **Configuring the Logon Information**

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

1. Select **Auto Start** to enable Parallels Client to connect automatically on startup using this connection.
2. In the **Authentication Type** field, select one of the following:
   * **Credentials.** Enter credentials to log in to Parallels RAS.
   * **Smart card**. Insert a smart card into the card reader and then enter a PIN when prompted.
   * **Web**. Use the SAML SSO authentication.
3. If you select Credentials in the previous step, enter your username, password, and domain information.