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# startTunnel(options:)

Start the process of connecting the tunnel.

```
func startTunnel(options: [String : Any]? = nil) throws
```

## Parameters

`options`

A dictionary containing options to be passed to the Tunnel Provider extension.

## Discussion

This method returns immediately after starting the process of connecting the tunnel. In order to be notified when the tunnel is fully connected, register to observe the [`NEVPNStatusDidChangeNotification`](/documentation/NetworkExtension/NEVPNStatusDidChangeNotification) notification on the `NETunnelProviderSession` object and examine its status property when the notification is received.

> Handling Errors in Swift:
> In Swift, this method returns `Void` and is marked with the `throws` keyword to indicate that it throws an error in cases of failure.
> 
> You call this method in a `try` expression and handle any errors in the `catch` clauses of a `do` statement, as described in [Error Handling](https://docs.swift.org/swift-book/LanguageGuide/ErrorHandling.html) in [The Swift Programming Language](https://docs.swift.org/swift-book/) and `About Imported Cocoa Error Parameters`.

---

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