Ultimate Guide on Setting Up an OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu

Introduction

Greetings fellow tech enthusiasts! In this day and age, securing online communication has become an essential need, especially with the increasing number of online threats. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide an excellent means to protect your data from prying eyes and hackers. However, creating an OpenVPN server is no walk in the park. Therefore, we have crafted this ultimate guide to help you understand how to setup OpenVPN server Ubuntu.

The process can be daunting, especially for beginners, but our guide will simplify the steps for you to follow with ease. We will also explain the benefits and disadvantages of using an OpenVPN server. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of this setup is vital before diving into the technical steps of setting it up. You do not want to end up with a scenario where your VPN server is vulnerable to attacks, rendering your effort futile.

Setup OpenVPN Server Ubuntu

Step 1: Install OpenVPN on Ubuntu

The first step towards setting up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu is installing OpenVPN itself. The process is straightforward:

Command	Description
sudo apt-get update	Update the package repository
sudo apt-get install openvpn	Install OpenVPN

Once the installation is complete, verify it by running the following command:

Command	Description
openvpn –version	Verify OpenVPN version

Step 2: Configure the OpenVPN Server

After installing OpenVPN, create a new directory for your server configuration files:

Command	Description
sudo mkdir /etc/openvpn/server	Create a directory for configuration files

Then copy the default OpenVPN configuration file to the new directory:

Command	Description
sudo cp /usr/share/doc/openvpn/examples/sample-config-files/server.conf.gz /etc/openvpn/server/	Copy the default configuration file

Unzip the configuration file:

Command	Description
sudo gzip -d /etc/openvpn/server/server.conf.gz	Unzip the configuration file

Edit the configuration file with your preferred settings:

Command	Description
sudo nano /etc/openvpn/server/server.conf	Open configuration file for editing

You can decide to use a different port number or protocol depending on your preference.

Step 3: Generate SSL Certificates for OpenVPN Server

It is vital to generate SSL certificates for your OpenVPN server. It is the only way to authenticate clients who want to connect to your server. Here are the steps:

Command	Description
sudo apt-get install easy-rsa	Install Easy-RSA to create SSL certificates
cd /usr/share/easy-rsa/	Navigate to the Easy-RSA directory
sudo nano vars	Edit the variables for certificate creation

Save the newly edited file and export the variables:

Command	Description
source ./vars	Export the variables

Then create and clean the certificate authority files:

Command	Description
sudo ./clean-all	Remove any old keys from the directory
sudo ./build-ca	Build the certificate authority files

Step 4: Generate SSL Certificates for OpenVPN Clients

After generating certification authority files, you can now build client certification files:

Command	Description
sudo ./build-key client1	Build the SSL certificate for the client

You can change the client name to suit your preference. Repeat the process to generate SSL certificates for all the clients intending to connect to your OpenVPN server.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using OpenVPN Server

Advantages

There are many benefits to using an OpenVPN server, including:

• Enhance online privacy and security
• Allows accessing geo-locked services
• Encrypts all online traffic
• Prevents ISP throttling
• Cost-effective compared to other VPN protocols
• Excellent user experience

Disadvantages

Some of the disadvantages of using an OpenVPN server include:

• Complex configuration, especially for beginners
• Relatively slow compared to other VPN protocols
• May be limited by the server’s bandwidth

FAQs

1. Can I use OpenVPN on any operating system?

Yes, OpenVPN is compatible with several operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

2. Is OpenVPN free?

Yes, OpenVPN software is free to download and use.

3. Do I need a dedicated server to run OpenVPN?

No, but it is recommended to have ample computing resources for optimal server performance.

4. How do I connect to an OpenVPN server?

You need to install an OpenVPN client on your device and input the server connection details.

5. Can I use OpenVPN to bypass country censorship?

Yes, OpenVPN can be used to bypass country censorship and access geo-restricted content.

6. What type of encryption does OpenVPN use?

OpenVPN uses OpenSSL, which supports symmetric encryption algorithms like AES, Blowfish, and 3DES.

7. Can I run multiple OpenVPN servers on one device?

Yes, it is possible to run multiple OpenVPN servers on one device with different configuration files and port numbers.

8. How do I troubleshoot OpenVPN connection issues?

You can check the server and client logs for errors and ensure that the correct server connection details are used.

9. Is OpenVPN secure?

Yes, OpenVPN is considered secure due to its robust encryption algorithms and SSL certification authentication.

10. Can I use OpenVPN to connect to my workplace network?

Yes, you can use OpenVPN to connect to a remote network, including your workplace network.

11. How many clients can connect to one OpenVPN server?

The number of clients that can connect to an OpenVPN server depends on the server’s hardware specifications and bandwidth capacity.

12. Can I have multiple client certificates on one device?

Yes, you can have multiple client certificates on one device.

13. Does OpenVPN slow down my internet speed?

OpenVPN may slow down your internet speed, particularly if the server bandwidth is limited, or your internet connection is slow.

Conclusion

Setting up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu may be challenging, but it is worth the effort. With the increasing need for online privacy and security, using an OpenVPN server is the best way to keep your data safe from online threats. The benefits and disadvantages outlined in this article provide more insights into this process. However, if you follow the steps illustrated in this guide carefully, you will have a reliable and secure OpenVPN server.

We hope this step-by-step guide has been insightful and helpful to you. Do not hesitate to contact us for any additional assistance or queries. Stay safe online!

Closing Disclaimer

The information contained in this guide is for educational purposes only. Although the steps provided are accurate, we do not guarantee that the OpenVPN server is 100% secure. Therefore, we disclaim any liability for any damages resulting from the usage of this guide. It is essential to conduct your research and consult trustworthy sources before taking any action about setting up an OpenVPN server.

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