Install OpenVPN Server Ubuntu 20.04: A Comprehensive Guide

👋 Welcome Readers! Let’s Learn How to Install OpenVPN Server Ubuntu 20.04 🤖

If you want to set up a secure and private network, installing an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 is an excellent choice. OpenVPN is an open-source virtual private network software that provides secure VPN connections for remote access, site-to-site connections, and Wi-Fi security.

Ubuntu 20.04 is one of the most popular Linux distributions, known for its stability and security features. So, if you’re looking to install OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you through a step-by-step process to install OpenVPN and ensure your network is secure and private.

1. Understanding OpenVPN Server

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a quick look at what OpenVPN server is and how it works. OpenVPN is a popular VPN protocol that ensures the privacy and security of your network. By encrypting the data transmitted between the server and clients, it creates a secure tunnel for all the network traffic.

OpenVPN can be used for remote access, site-to-site connections, and Wi-Fi security. It allows remote employees to securely access their company’s network from any location, create an encrypted tunnel between two networks, and secure public Wi-Fi hotspots from potential attacks.

Now that we understand what OpenVPN is let’s proceed to install OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04.

2. Installing OpenVPN Server

Before you start installing OpenVPN, make sure your Ubuntu 20.04 system is up to date using the following commands:

$ sudo apt update

$ sudo apt upgrade

Once your system is up to date, follow the steps below to install OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04:

Step 1: Install OpenVPN Package

The first step is to install the OpenVPN package using the following command:

$ sudo apt install openvpn

This command installs OpenVPN and all the necessary dependencies.

Step 2: Create Certificates and Keys

In this step, we create a certificate authority (CA) and server certificates and keys. Use the following commands:

$ cd /usr/share/easy-rsa/

$ sudo ./easyrsa init-pki

$ sudo ./easyrsa build-ca

$ sudo ./easyrsa gen-dh

$ sudo ./easyrsa build-server-full server-name-here nopass

$ sudo cp pki/ca.crt pki/private/server.key pki/issued/server.crt /etc/openvpn/

The above commands create a CA, generate Diffie-Hellman (DH) parameters, and create server certificates and keys. Be sure to replace “server-name-here” with a unique server name.

Step 3: Configure OpenVPN Server

In this step, we need to configure OpenVPN server using the following commands:

$ sudo nano /etc/openvpn/server.conf

Replace the contents of the file with the code below:

port 1194

proto udp4

dev tun

ca ca.crt

cert server.crt

key server.key

dh dh.pem

server 10.8.0.0 255.255.255.0

ifconfig-pool-persist ipp.txt

push “redirect-gateway def1 bypass-dhcp”

push “dhcp-option DNS 8.8.8.8”

push “dhcp-option DNS 8.8.4.4”

keepalive 10 120

tls-auth ta.key 0

cipher AES-256-CBC

user nobody

group nobody

persist-key

persist-tun

status openvpn-status.log

verb 3

This configuration file sets up OpenVPN on port 1194 using UDP, configures the server certificates and keys, and sets up the client IP address range to 10.8.0.0/24.

Step 4: Enable IP Forwarding

In this step, we need to enable IP forwarding by editing the sysctl.conf file using the command below:

$ sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf

Add the following line at the end of the file:

net.ipv4.ip_forward=1

Save and close the file, then run the following command to apply the changes:

$ sudo sysctl -p

Step 5: Start OpenVPN Server

In this step, we need to start the OpenVPN server using the following command:

$ sudo systemctl start openvpn-server@server

You can use the status command to check if the server is running:

$ sudo systemctl status openvpn-server@server

Step 6: Enable OpenVPN Server on Boot

If you want to enable OpenVPN server on boot, use the following command:

$ sudo systemctl enable openvpn-server@server

Congratulations! You have successfully installed OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of OpenVPN Server Ubuntu 20.04

Advantages

• OpenVPN is an open-source software, which means you can use it for free.

• OpenVPN is one of the most secure VPN protocols, with 256-bit encryption and support for Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS).

• OpenVPN is highly configurable, giving administrators complete control over the VPN connection.

• OpenVPN is cross-platform and can run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Disadvantages

• OpenVPN can be complex to set up and configure, even for experienced administrators.

• OpenVPN can be slower compared to other VPN protocols like IPsec.

• OpenVPN requires a certificate authority (CA) and server certificates and keys to be generated.

• OpenVPN can be blocked by some firewalls or internet service providers.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is an open-source virtual private network (VPN) software that provides secure VPN connections for remote access, site-to-site connections, and Wi-Fi security.

2. Is OpenVPN free?

Yes, OpenVPN is an open-source software, which means you can use it for free.

3. How does OpenVPN work?

OpenVPN creates a secure tunnel for all the network traffic by encrypting the data transmitted between the server and clients.

4. Is OpenVPN secure?

Yes, OpenVPN is one of the most secure VPN protocols, with 256-bit encryption and support for Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS).

5. Can OpenVPN be used on multiple operating systems?

Yes, OpenVPN is cross-platform and can run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

6. What are the disadvantages of OpenVPN?

OpenVPN can be complex to set up and configure, even for experienced administrators. It can be slower compared to other VPN protocols like IPsec, requires a certificate authority (CA) and server certificates and keys to be generated, and can be blocked by some firewalls or internet service providers.

7. How do I troubleshoot OpenVPN server connection issues?

You can troubleshoot OpenVPN server connection issues by checking the logs and verifying the client and server configurations match.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, OpenVPN is an excellent choice for securing your network and providing remote access. With our step-by-step guide, you can easily install OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 and ensure your network is secure and private. Don’t hesitate to install OpenVPN today!

6. Take Action Now!

Don’t wait any longer to secure your network and provide remote access. Follow our guide and install OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 today!

7. Closing and Disclaimer

Thank you for reading our guide on installing OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04. While we have done our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this guide. We are not responsible for any damages that may occur from following this guide or using OpenVPN. Always consult with a professional before making any changes to your network or software.

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