Softether VPN Server on Debian

The Ultimate Guide to Deploying Softether VPN Server on Debian with Ease

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for businesses and individuals in today’s interconnected world. They provide a secure and private connection between two or more devices, allowing users to access the internet, local networks, and cloud resources as if they were on the same physical network. While there are many VPN solutions available in the market, Softether VPN Server on Debian is a top-class, free, and easy-to-deploy VPN server alternative.

Whether you’re a small business owner, system administrator, or security enthusiast, Softether VPN Server on Debian is an excellent solution for creating a reliable and secure VPN service for your organization or personal use. This article will guide you through the process of deploying Softether VPN Server on Debian, including the advantages and disadvantages, key features, and frequently asked questions.

Introduction

What is Softether VPN?

Softether VPN is an open-source VPN solution that can run on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and Solaris. It supports multiple VPN protocols, including SSL VPN, IPsec, L2TP, OpenVPN, and Microsoft Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP). Softether VPN is designed to be easy to use, fast, secure, and flexible, making it a popular choice for businesses, universities, and individuals.

What is Debian?

Debian is a popular Linux-based operating system that is known for its stability, security, and ease of use. It’s free, open-source, and comes with thousands of pre-installed software packages. Debian is widely used for servers, desktops, and embedded systems due to its robustness, performance, and community support.

Why Softether VPN on Debian?

Softether VPN Server on Debian provides a reliable and secure VPN solution that can be deployed quickly and easily. It’s free, open-source, and offers a range of features that make it a perfect choice for businesses, universities, and individuals. Softether VPN Server on Debian is lightweight, fast, and supports multiple VPN protocols, making it a versatile solution for different use cases.

The Key Features of Softether VPN on Debian

Softether VPN Server on Debian offers a range of features that make it a top choice for VPN solutions. Some of the key features include:

Softether VPN Server on Debian Installation and Configuration

Prerequisites

Before you install Softether VPN Server on Debian, you need to have the following prerequisites:

• A Debian-based server (physical or virtual) with at least 1GB of RAM and 1GHz CPU
• Root or sudo privileges
• The latest updates and patches installed
• An internet connection

Installation

Installing Softether VPN Server on Debian is a simple process that involves the following steps:

1. Download the Softether VPN Server package for Linux from the Softether website, or use the following command to download it directly from the terminal:

wget https://github.com/SoftEtherVPN/SoftEtherVPN_Stable/releases/download/v4.34-9745-beta/softether-vpnserver-v4.34-9745-beta-2021.01.17-linux-x64-64bit.tar.gz

2. Extract the downloaded package using the following command:

tar xzf softether-vpnserver-v4.34-9745-beta-2021.01.17-linux-x64-64bit.tar.gz

3. Compile the Softether VPN Server code using the following command:

cd vpnserver && make

4. Install the Softether VPN Server using the following command:

./vpnserver start

5. You will be prompted to enter the Softether VPN Server License Agreement. Read and accept the license agreement by typing ‘1’ and pressing ‘Enter.’
6. Set up a new admin password for your Softether VPN Server using the following command:

./vpncmd

Then type:

ServerPasswordSet

You will be prompted to enter a new password. Type and confirm your new password.

7. Configure the Softether VPN Server by setting up Virtual NAT and Virtual DHCP functions using the following commands:

HubCreate YourHubName

VirtualHub YourHubName

SecureNatEnable

VirtualDhcpEnable

Configuration

After installing Softether VPN Server on Debian, you need to configure it to create a VPN service. Some of the configurations you need to make include creating a user, adding a VPN client, and setting up port forwarding.

Creating a User

To create a user on Softether VPN Server on Debian, use the following command:

UserCreate YourUserName

You will be prompted to enter and confirm a password for the new user.

Adding a VPN Client

To add a VPN client, follow these steps:

1. Download the Softether VPN Client for your operating system from the Softether website.
2. Install and run the Softether VPN Client on your device.
3. Click “Add VPN Connection.”
4. On the “New VPN Connection Setting” dialog box, enter a name for the VPN connection, the Softether VPN Server’s IP address or hostname, and the port number (default is 443).
5. Choose the protocol you want to use (SSL VPN, L2TP, or OpenVPN).
6. Enter the user’s credentials (username and password) you created earlier.
7. Save the VPN connection.

Setting Up Port Forwarding

To enable external devices to connect to your Softether VPN Server on Debian, you need to configure port forwarding. The default port used by Softether VPN Server is 443, but you can change it as desired. To set up port forwarding, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
2. Find the NAT settings or port forwarding section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule by specifying the external port (e.g., 1194) and the internal IP address of your Softether VPN Server on Debian.
4. Save and apply the port forwarding rule.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Softether VPN Server on Debian

Advantages

Free and Open Source

Softether VPN Server on Debian is free and open source software, meaning you can use, modify, and redistribute it as you wish. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses and individuals who want to set up a VPN without breaking the bank.

Multiple VPN Protocols Support

Softether VPN Server on Debian supports multiple VPN protocols, including SSL VPN, IPsec, L2TP, OpenVPN, and SSTP. This gives users the flexibility to choose the best protocol for their needs, depending on the level of security, speed, and compatibility they need.

High-Speed Performance

Softether VPN Server on Debian is optimized to deliver high-speed performance, even on low-end hardware. This is thanks to its patented SoftEther VPN protocol, which provides fast and stable VPN connections.

Multitenancy Support

Softether VPN Server on Debian allows multiple tenants or different organizations to use the same VPN server instance while keeping their VPN traffic and user information separate and secure. This makes it an ideal choice for service providers or multi-tenant environments.

Security and Privacy

Softether VPN Server on Debian provides robust security and privacy features, including AES 256-bit encryption, HTTPS encryption, and certificate authentication. This ensures that your data is safe from prying eyes and cyber threats, and your privacy is protected.

Disadvantages

Advanced Configuration

While Softether VPN Server on Debian is easy to install and use, some advanced configurations may require some technical know-how. This may pose a challenge for beginners or non-technical users.

No Built-in GUI

Unlike some VPN solutions that come with a pre-installed GUI, Softether VPN Server on Debian doesn’t have a built-in GUI. This means you need to use the command-line interface, which may be a bit intimidating for some users.

FAQs

Q1. Can I run Softether VPN Server on Debian-based distros other than Debian?

A1. Yes, you can run Softether VPN Server on other Debian-based distros such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Kali Linux.

Q2. Can I use Softether VPN Server to bypass internet censorship?

A2. Yes, you can use Softether VPN Server to bypass internet censorship and access restricted content by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel.

Q3. Do I need to have a public IP address to run Softether VPN Server on Debian?

A3. Yes, you need to have a public IP address or a hostname that resolves to your server’s IP address to run Softether VPN Server on Debian.

Q4. Can I use Softether VPN Server to connect to my home or office network?

A4. Yes, you can use Softether VPN Server to connect to your home or office network from anywhere by setting up a VPN connection using the Softether VPN Client.

Q5. What VPN protocol should I use with Softether VPN Server?

A5. Softether VPN Server supports multiple VPN protocols, including SSL VPN, IPsec, L2TP, OpenVPN, and SSTP. You should choose the protocol that best fits your needs in terms of security, speed, and compatibility.

Q6. Can I run Softether VPN Server in a Docker container?

A6. Yes, you can run Softether VPN Server in a Docker container by using a pre-built Docker image from the Docker Hub.

Q7. Is Softether VPN Server on Debian secure?

A7. Yes, Softether VPN Server on Debian is secure, thanks to its robust security and privacy features, including AES 256-bit encryption, HTTPS encryption, and certificate authentication. However, you should follow best practices, such as using strong passwords, regular software updates, and configuring firewalls, to ensure the highest level of security.

Conclusion

Softether VPN Server on Debian is an excellent VPN solution that is free, open-source, and easy-to-deploy. It offers a range of features that make it a top choice for businesses, universities, and individuals. In this article, we have shown you how to deploy Softether VPN Server on Debian, including its advantages and disadvantages, key features, and frequently asked questions.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a secure and reliable VPN service that can meet your organization or personal needs. Don’t hesitate to try Softether VPN Server on Debian today and experience the power of open-source VPN technology. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.

Closing/Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. While the authors have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, they assume no responsibility for errors or omissions or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The authors do not endorse any specific product or service mentioned in this article. Always consult a qualified professional before making any decisions regarding your IT infrastructure or security.

Video:Softether VPN Server on Debian