How to Host an OpenVPN Server: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! If you’re looking to host an OpenVPN server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your own OpenVPN server, from choosing the right hardware and software to configuring your server and client devices. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully functional VPN server that you can use to access your home network, protect your online privacy, and more. Let’s get started!

Part 1: Getting Started

Before you start setting up your OpenVPN server, there are a few things you’ll need:

1. A dedicated server or virtual private server (VPS) – this will be the computer that runs your VPN server software.
2. A domain name – this will be the address that your clients use to connect to your VPN server.
3. An OpenVPN server software – we recommend using OpenVPN Access Server, a robust and easy-to-use VPN server software.

Choosing the Right Hardware

The first step in setting up your OpenVPN server is to choose the right hardware. If you’re setting up your VPN server at home, you can use an old computer or a Raspberry Pi. If you’re setting up your VPN server on a VPS, you’ll want to choose a provider that offers reliable, high-speed connections.

When choosing your hardware, keep in mind that your VPN server will be responsible for encrypting and decrypting traffic for all of your clients. This can be CPU-intensive, so you’ll want to choose a computer or VPS with enough processing power to handle the load.

Choosing the Right Operating System

Once you’ve selected your hardware, you’ll need to choose an operating system to run your OpenVPN server. OpenVPN Access Server is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll be using Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS, a popular and easy-to-use Linux distribution.

Setting Up Your Domain Name

Next, you’ll need to set up your domain name. Your domain name will be the address that your clients use to connect to your VPN server, so it’s important to choose a name that’s easy to remember and easy to type.

You can register your domain name with any domain registrar, such as Namecheap or GoDaddy. Once you’ve registered your domain name, you’ll need to point it to your server’s IP address using a DNS record.

Part 2: Installing OpenVPN Access Server

With your hardware and domain name set up, it’s time to install OpenVPN Access Server. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Update Your System

The first step in installing OpenVPN Access Server is to update your system. This will ensure that you have the latest security patches and software updates installed.

Command	Description
sudo apt update	Updates the package lists for upgrades and new packages
sudo apt upgrade	Installs updates for all installed packages

Step 2: Download and Install OpenVPN Access Server

With your system up to date, you can now download and install OpenVPN Access Server. Follow these steps:

Command	Description
wget https://swupdate.openvpn.net/as/openvpn-as-2.8.9-Ubuntu20.amd_64.deb	Downloads the OpenVPN Access Server package
sudo dpkg -i openvpn-as-2.8.9-Ubuntu20.amd_64.deb	Installs the OpenVPN Access Server package

Step 3: Configure OpenVPN Access Server

Once you’ve installed OpenVPN Access Server, you’ll need to configure it. Follow these steps:

Command	Description
sudo ovpn-init	Starts the initialization process for OpenVPN Access Server

During the initialization process, you’ll be prompted to enter a number of settings, including your domain name, your license key (if you have one), and your administrator username and password.

Part 3: Configuring Your OpenVPN Server and Clients

With OpenVPN Access Server installed and configured, it’s time to set up your server and client devices. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Set Up Your OpenVPN Server

To set up your OpenVPN server, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your OpenVPN Access Server web interface using your administrator username and password.
2. Click the “VPN Settings” link in the left sidebar.
3. In the “VPN Settings” page, configure your server settings, including your network settings and DNS settings.
4. Click the “Save Settings” button to save your changes.

Step 2: Configure Your Client Devices

With your server set up, it’s time to configure your client devices. To do this, you’ll need to install the OpenVPN client software and import your server’s configuration file. Follow these steps:

1. Download and install the OpenVPN client software for your device.
2. Log in to your OpenVPN Access Server web interface using your client username and password.
3. Click the “Connect” button to download your server’s configuration file.
4. Import your server’s configuration file into your OpenVPN client software.
5. Connect to your VPN server using your OpenVPN client software.

Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is a popular open-source VPN protocol that allows you to create secure, encrypted connections over the internet. With OpenVPN, you can create a VPN server that allows you to access your home network, protect your online privacy, and more.

What is OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server is a commercial VPN server software that makes it easy to set up and manage your own VPN server. With OpenVPN Access Server, you can create a VPN server that allows you to access your home network, protect your online privacy, and more.

How do I choose the right hardware for my OpenVPN server?

When choosing your hardware, keep in mind that your VPN server will be responsible for encrypting and decrypting traffic for all of your clients. This can be CPU-intensive, so you’ll want to choose a computer or VPS with enough processing power to handle the load.

How do I secure my OpenVPN server?

To secure your OpenVPN server, you should follow these best practices:

1. Choose a strong administrator password.
2. Configure your firewall to only allow incoming connections on port 1194 (or another port of your choice).
3. Configure OpenVPN Access Server to use a strong encryption cipher.
4. Disable unused protocols and services.

Can I use OpenVPN to bypass internet censorship?

While OpenVPN can help you bypass some forms of internet censorship, it’s not a silver bullet. Some countries or ISPs may be able to detect and block OpenVPN traffic. If you’re looking to bypass internet censorship, you may want to consider using a VPN that specializes in bypassing censorship, such as TorGuard or ExpressVPN.

Can I use OpenVPN to access my home network?

Yes, you can use OpenVPN to access your home network from anywhere in the world. By running an OpenVPN server on your home network, you can connect to your home network securely and access your files, printers, and other devices.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You’ve successfully set up your own OpenVPN server. By following the steps in this guide, you’re now able to access your home network, protect your online privacy, and more. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the OpenVPN community for help. Happy VPN-ing!