Dedicated Server: Installation of OpenVPN
This guide was created with the following products:
(Details may vary with products from different providers but the main concepts remain the same)
Introduction
OpenVPN is a powerful and versatile VPN software that enables a secure connection over the Internet. It is an open source solution that provides robust and configurable VPN technology to establish an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. By using OpenVPN, users can secure their internet connection, protect their online privacy and access geo-restricted content no matter where they are in the world. In this guide, we will explore the process of installing and configuring the OpenVPN service on a Linux server.
Preparation
First of all the network driver TUN must be activated. This step is not required for root servers. To do this you have to create a new file called tunscript.sh in the /usr/sbin folder.
nano /usr/sbin/tunscript.sh
Insert the following lines afterwards:
#!/bin/bash
mkdir /dev/net
mknod /dev/net/tun c 10 200
chmod 0666 /dev/net/tun
Save the file by pressing CTRL+O, followed by Y and finally press Enter. To exit the file press CTRL+X. After that run the following command:
chmod +x /usr/sbin/tunscript.sh
Once you have done this, run crontab -e and select the nano editor [1]. Add this line to the end of the file:
@reboot /usr/sbin/tunscript.sh || exit 1
Save the file by pressing CTRL+O, then Y and finally press Enter. To exit the file press CTRL+X. You should then be able to continue after a restart.
Installation
In order to install OpenVPN, execute the following command in the console:
wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh && bash openvpn-install.sh
Then a dialog appears asking whether you want to use UDP or TCP. We recommend UDP, hence you type 1 and press Enter. After that you will be asked for a port for OpenVPN, we recommend using the default port.
Next, you have to configure the DNS server. We recommend using either Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS:
8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 - Google Public DNS
1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 - Cloudflare DNS
Following this step, you have to define a client name. To do this, you can set any name that you wish, for example the name of your device.
Configuration
Add more clients
If you want to create multiple connections, it is useful to create multiple accounts. To create another account, execute the following command:
wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh && bash openvpn-install.sh
Select 1 and then confirm. Now you have to define the client name.
Remove clients
Run the following command to remove a Client:
wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh && bash openvpn-install.sh
Select the number of the client in your list which you want to remove. Then press Enter. You will now be prompted to confirm the deletion. If you are sure, press Y and then Enter.
The client should be removed at this point.
Uninstallation
If you no longer need OpenVPN, then you can uninstall it this way:
wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh && bash openvpn-install.sh
Press 3 and confirm. Confirm once again and OpenVPN is uninstalled after that.
Connect to the VPN
If you want to connect to your VPN, we recommend using the OpenVPN client. Simply download this on the device you wish to connect from.
Connect via SFTP to your server to download the created .ovpn file and then delete the file on your server afterwards. As soon as you have installed the client, start the program. Right click on the OpenVPN icon in the taskbar. Then click on 'Import file' and select the file you downloaded earlier and click 'Open'. To connect, click again on icon and select "Connect".
In case you have imported several files, you have to select the client you want to use and then click on Connect