# Network Extension Setup

## Overview

A network extension is a separate process that runs alongside your main application and handles the VPN connection. This step involves creating a new target in your Xcode project, configuring its build settings, and implementing the necessary code to establish and manage the VPN connection.

## Prerequisites

You should already have prepared application target in order to continue. If you haven't done it yet, please see [Application Setup](/paas/sdk/unified-vpn-sdk-for-apple/setup/application-setup.md).

## Choose Your Setup Guide

Select the setup guide based on your target platform and extension type:

| Platform    | Extension Type        | Guide                                                                                                                                                 |
| ----------- | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| iOS / macOS | Application Extension | [Application Extension Setup (iOS/macOS)](/paas/sdk/unified-vpn-sdk-for-apple/setup/network-extension-setup/application-extension-setup-ios-macos.md) |
| tvOS        | Application Extension | [Application Extension Setup (tvOS)](/paas/sdk/unified-vpn-sdk-for-apple/setup/network-extension-setup/network-extension-setup-for-tvos.md)           |
| macOS       | System Extension      | [System Extension Setup (macOS)](/paas/sdk/unified-vpn-sdk-for-apple/setup/network-extension-setup/system-extension-setup-for-macos.md)               |

## Which Extension Type Should I Use?

### Application Extension

Use Application Extensions when:

* Distributing through the **Mac App Store**
* Building for **iOS** or **tvOS**
* Building **sandboxed** applications
* Supporting older macOS versions (before 10.15)

### System Extension

Use System Extensions when:

* Distributing **outside the Mac App Store** (Developer ID)
* Building enterprise or developer tools
* Requiring maximum performance and stability
* Targeting **macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later**

{% hint style="info" %}
System Extensions are only available on macOS. iOS and tvOS applications must use Application Extensions.
{% endhint %}

## Quick Comparison

| Aspect            | Application Extension     | System Extension                |
| ----------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **Platforms**     | iOS, macOS, tvOS          | macOS only                      |
| **Distribution**  | App Store or Developer ID | Developer ID only               |
| **Sandbox**       | Required                  | Not required                    |
| **Activation**    | Automatic                 | Manual (requires user approval) |
| **macOS Version** | All supported versions    | 10.15+                          |


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