Secure Your Network with Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server 🛡️
Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts! In this article, we will explore the world of Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server and all that it has to offer. With cyber threats on the rise, it has become essential for everyone to secure their networks. OpenVPN provides a reliable and secure virtual private network (VPN) solution that can be used to protect sensitive data. Ubuntu 20.04 is the latest long-term support (LTS) version of this popular Linux distribution, and we will show you how to set up an OpenVPN Server on it.
Introduction: Ubuntu and OpenVPN
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface, security, and stability. OpenVPN is an open-source software application that provides a VPN solution for secure network connections. When combined, Ubuntu and OpenVPN create a powerful combination that can secure your network and provide access to resources from anywhere in the world.
Before proceeding, it is essential to note that setting up an OpenVPN server can be a challenging task, even for experienced users. However, with our guidance, you can set up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 in no time.
Prerequisites for Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server
Before we proceed with the installation, we will need to ensure that we have all the necessary prerequisites. To create an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04, you will need:
Ubuntu 20.04 Server |
At least 1 GB of RAM |
An active internet connection |
A static public IP address |
Access to the root user account |
A domain name |
It is essential to have a public IP address and a domain name to set up an OpenVPN server. A domain name makes it easy to connect to the VPN server from anywhere in the world.
Installing OpenVPN on Ubuntu 20.04
The first step to set up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 is to install OpenVPN. The following steps will guide you through the installation process:
Step 1: Update the packages list:
sudo apt update
Step 2: Install OpenVPN:
sudo apt install openvpn
Once the installation is complete, we need to set up the Certificate Authority (CA) to enable secure communication between the server and clients.
Setting up a Certificate Authority (CA)
A Certificate Authority (CA) is an essential component of a secure OpenVPN server. The CA is responsible for verifying the identity of the clients and enabling secure communication. The following steps will guide you through setting up a CA:
Step 1: Create a new directory to store the CA:
sudo mkdir /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/
Step 2: Copy the CA template to the new directory:
sudo cp -r /usr/share/easy-rsa/* /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/
Step 3: Edit the vars file:
sudo nano /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/vars
Update the following variables to match your configuration:
export KEY_COUNTRY=<Country Code> |
export KEY_PROVINCE=<State/Province> |
export KEY_CITY=<City> |
export KEY_ORG=<Organization Name> |
export KEY_EMAIL=<Email Address> |
export KEY_CN=<Common Name> |
Step 4: Generate the CA:
sudo su
cd /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa
source vars
./clean-all
./build-ca
Generating Server Certificates and Keys
Once the CA is set up, we need to generate certificates and keys for the server. The following steps will guide you through the process:
Step 1: Generate the server certificate and key:
./build-key-server server
Step 2: Generate the Diffie-Hellman (DH) parameters:
./build-dh
The server is now ready to receive client connections. The next step is to configure the server.
Configuring OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu 20.04
The OpenVPN server configuration file is located at /etc/openvpn/server.conf. The following steps will guide you through configuring the server:
Step 1: Create a backup of the default configuration file:
sudo mv /etc/openvpn/server.conf /etc/openvpn/server.conf.bak
Step 2: Create a new configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/openvpn/server.conf
The following configuration options are essential:
local <Public IP Address> |
dev tun |
proto udp |
port <Port Number> |
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/dh2048.pem |
server <VPN Subnet> <Subnet Mask> |
push “redirect-gateway def1 bypass-dhcp” |
push “dhcp-option DNS <DNS Server IP>” |
push “dhcp-option DNS <Google DNS IP>” |
keepalive 10 120 |
comp-lzo |
user nobody |
group nogroup |
Step 3: Start the OpenVPN service:
sudo systemctl start openvpn@server
Step 4: Enable the OpenVPN service to start automatically at boot:
sudo systemctl enable openvpn@server
The OpenVPN server is now up and running. The next step is to generate client certificates and keys.
Generating Client Certificates and Keys
The following steps will guide you through generating client certificates and keys:
Step 1: Generate the client certificate and key:
./build-key client1
Step 2: Export the client certificate and key:
sudo su
cd /etc/openvpn/easy-rsa/keys
cp ca.crt client1.crt client1.key /etc/openvpn
The client is now ready to connect to the server.
Connecting to OpenVPN Server
To connect to the OpenVPN server, you will need a client application that can establish a VPN connection. The following steps will guide you through connecting to the server:
Step 1: Download and install the OpenVPN client:
You can download the OpenVPN client from the official website: https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/. Install the client on your device.
Step 2: Import the client certificate and key:
Copy the client certificate and key (client1.crt and client1.key) to the client device. Import the certificate and key into the OpenVPN client.
Step 3: Connect to the VPN:
Open the OpenVPN client and connect to the VPN server using the server’s public IP address. Enter the username and password if prompted, and you are now connected to the VPN.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server
Advantages of Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server
Here are some of the advantages of using Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server:
- OpenVPN is an open-source software application, which means that it is free to use and modify.
- Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution with a vast community of developers and users, making it easy to find support.
- OpenVPN provides a secure VPN solution that can be used to protect sensitive data.
- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is a stable and reliable version of Ubuntu that is supported until 2025.
- OpenVPN can be configured to work with various authentication methods, including usernames and passwords, certificates, and two-factor authentication.
Disadvantages of Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server
Here are some of the disadvantages of using Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server:
- Setting up an OpenVPN server can be a challenging task, even for experienced users.
- OpenVPN requires a static public IP address and a domain name to set up.
- OpenVPN can have performance issues when used with large networks.
- OpenVPN can slow down the network speed due to encryption and decryption of traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to connect to a remote network?
Yes, you can use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to connect to a remote network using a VPN. However, you will need to configure the OpenVPN server and client to use the appropriate settings.
2. Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to access the internet anonymously?
No, Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server is not designed to provide anonymous internet access. Instead, it provides a secure VPN solution that can be used to protect sensitive data.
3. What authentication methods does OpenVPN support?
OpenVPN supports various authentication methods, including usernames and passwords, certificates, and two-factor authentication.
4. How many clients can Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server support?
Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server can support many clients, depending on the hardware configuration and network capacity. However, it is recommended to limit the number of clients to ensure optimal performance.
5. Can I run Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server on a virtual machine?
Yes, you can run Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server on a virtual machine. However, you will need to ensure that the virtual machine has access to a static public IP address and a domain name.
6. What is the difference between UDP and TCP protocols in OpenVPN?
The UDP protocol is faster than the TCP protocol because it does not perform error correction. However, the TCP protocol is more reliable than UDP because it guarantees the delivery of data.
7. Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to secure my home network?
Yes, you can use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to secure your home network. However, you will need to ensure that you have a static public IP address and a domain name.
8. Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to bypass internet censorship?
No, Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server is not designed to bypass internet censorship. Instead, it provides a secure VPN solution that can be used to protect sensitive data.
9. What is the difference between client certificates and keys?
A client certificate is a digital certificate that identifies the client to the server. A client key is a private key that is used to encrypt and decrypt data sent between the client and the server.
10. Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to access my office network?
Yes, you can use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to access your office network using a VPN. However, you will need to configure the OpenVPN server and client to use the appropriate settings.
11. What is the purpose of the Certificate Authority (CA) in OpenVPN?
The Certificate Authority (CA) is responsible for verifying the identity of the clients and enabling secure communication between the server and clients.
12. Can I use Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server to share files between two computers?
No, Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server is not designed to share files between two computers. Instead, it provides a secure VPN solution that can be used to protect sensitive data.
13. What is the recommended hardware configuration for Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server?
The recommended hardware configuration for Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server depends on the number of clients and network capacity. However, it is recommended to use a server with at least 1 GB of RAM and a multicore CPU.
Conclusion: Secure Your Network with Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server
Setting up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 can be challenging, but it is worth the effort. OpenVPN provides a secure VPN solution that can be used to protect sensitive data. Ubuntu 20.04 is a stable and reliable version of Ubuntu that is supported until 2025.
With our guide, you can set up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 20.04 in no time. Remember to follow the best practices for securing your network and keeping your data safe.
Take Action Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Secure your network with Ubuntu 20.04 OpenVPN Server today. Follow our guide and enjoy a safe and secure network.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information for your specific needs. We recommend consulting with a professional before implementing any changes to your network.