How to Configure OpenVPN Server
OpenVPN is a popular open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. In this article, we will guide you on how to configure an OpenVPN server. Follow these steps to set up your OpenVPN server and access a secure network connection:
Step 1: Set up the Server
Before you start configuring the OpenVPN server, you need to have a server with a clean install of your preferred operating system. Make sure your server has a static IP address and that the necessary ports (UDP 1194) are open in your firewall. Additionally, ensure that your server has access to the internet.
Step 2: Install OpenVPN
Next, you need to install the OpenVPN software on your server. You can install OpenVPN using the following commands:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install openvpn
Step 3: Configure OpenVPN
Once OpenVPN is installed, you need to configure the server. Start by generating an Easy-RSA key on your server. You can do this by running the following commands:
cd /usr/share/doc/openvpn/examples/easy-rsa/2.0/
sudo cp -r ./ /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/
Step 4: Generate Certificates
After configuring Easy-RSA, you need to generate certificates for your OpenVPN server. Run the following commands to create the necessary certificates:
cd /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/
source ./vars
./clean-all
./build-ca
./build-key-server server
Step 5: Configure the OpenVPN Server Configuration File
Next, you need to configure the OpenVPN server configuration file. Use a text editor to create a new file named server.conf in the /etc/openvpn/ directory and add the following content:
- local your_server_ip
- port 1194
- proto udp
- dev tun
- ca /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/keys/ca.crt
- cert /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/keys/server.crt
- key /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/keys/server.key
- dh /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/keys/dh1024.pem
- server 10.8.0.0 255.255.255.0
- ifconfig-pool-persist ipp.txt
- push “redirect-gateway def1”
- push “dhcp-option DNS 8.8.8.8”
- keepalive 10 120
- comp-lzo
Save the file and exit the text editor.
Step 6: Start and Enable OpenVPN
After configuring the server and the OpenVPN file, you can start and enable the OpenVPN service by running the following commands:
sudo systemctl start openvpn@server
sudo systemctl enable openvpn@server
You have successfully configured your OpenVPN server. You can now connect to the server using an OpenVPN client and access a secure network connection. Make sure to secure your server and keep the software updated to maintain a secure VPN connection.
Enjoy secure and private browsing with your OpenVPN server!