OpenVPN – Open Source VPN Solution

OpenVPN is a robust and highly flexible open-source VPN solution that implements virtual private network techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. Using a custom security protocol based on SSL/TLS, OpenVPN provides a full-featured VPN solution trusted by enterprises, small businesses, and individuals worldwide for secure remote access.

Key Features

• SSL/TLS Security – Industry-standard encryption protocols
• Cross-Platform – Works on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
• Flexible Authentication – Certificates, username/password, two-factor
• NAT Friendly – Works behind firewalls and NAT
• Plugin System – Extensible with authentication plugins
• Bridging/Routing – Support for both Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs

Installation

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install openvpn easy-rsa

# RHEL/CentOS/Fedora
sudo dnf install openvpn easy-rsa

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S openvpn easy-rsa

Quick Server Setup

# Initialize PKI
cd /etc/openvpn
make-cadir easy-rsa
cd easy-rsa
./easyrsa init-pki
./easyrsa build-ca
./easyrsa gen-req server nopass
./easyrsa sign-req server server
./easyrsa gen-dh
openvpn --genkey secret ta.key

Basic Server Config

# /etc/openvpn/server.conf
port 1194
proto udp
dev tun
ca ca.crt
cert server.crt
key server.key
dh dh.pem
server 10.8.0.0 255.255.255.0
push "redirect-gateway def1"
push "dhcp-option DNS 8.8.8.8"
keepalive 10 120
cipher AES-256-GCM
user nobody
group nogroup
persist-key
persist-tun

Use Cases

OpenVPN is ideal for remote worker access, site-to-site connectivity, secure browsing, bypassing geo-restrictions, and protecting data on public networks.

Download OpenVPN