OpenVPN Access Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Creation, Connection, and Installation

OpenVPN serves as a secure communication protocol and software application for creating encrypted virtual private networks (VPNs). OpenVPN access server is an enterprise-grade VPN solution built on top of the OpenVPN software. In this article, we will discuss the key features of OpenVPN Access Server, and the procedures for its creation, connection, and installation.

What is OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server is a powerful, versatile solution for creating secure VPNs. It acts as a centralized platform for creating, managing, and maintaining VPNs, enabling users to establish encrypted connections to their networks remotely. OpenVPN Access Server leverages the open-source OpenVPN software. It also adds an intuitive web-based interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced network administrators.

OpenVPN Access Server’s Major Features

OpenVPN access server’s essential features include:

• Scalability – Designed to accommodate a growing user base, OpenVPN Access Server is scalable and can adapt to the changing needs of your network. It supports many simultaneous connections, making it suitable for small businesses and large enterprises.
• Robust security – OpenVPN Access Server uses robust encryption protocols, including SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. This security measure makes it a reliable choice for sensitive data transmission because it shields communication channels from potential threats.
• Cross-platform compatibility – Whether you’re using Windows, Linux, macOS, or even mobile devices, OpenVPN Access Server ensures compatibility across various platforms. This flexibility allows users to connect to the VPN from different devices, enhancing accessibility.
• Authentication options – With support for multiple authentication methods, including username/password, two-factor authentication, and certificate-based authentication, OpenVPN Access Server provides a customizable and secure user authentication process.

How to Create an OpenVPN Server

Do the following steps:

1. Choose a hosting provider – Select a reliable hosting provider that offers a virtual private server or dedicated server that will host your OpenVPN server.
2. Install the OpenVPN access server – Depending on your chosen hosting provider, follow the relevant instructions for installing the OpenVPN Access Server. Below is an example installation command for Ubuntu: ‘wget https://swupdate.openvpn.net/as/openvpn-as–Ubuntu20.amd_64.deb’ to download the page, and ‘dpkg -i openvpn-as–Ubuntu20.amd_64.deb’ to install the software
3. Access the admin web interface – After the OpenVPN Access Server is installed, access the web-based administration interface by navigating to https://your-server-ip:943/admin. Log in with the default credentials provided during the installation.
4. Configure network settings – Customize network settings, such as the IP address range for VPN clients and DNS (Domain Name System) settings to align with your network requirements.
5. Create user accounts – Generate user accounts with secure credentials to control access to your OpenVPN server. Assign different levels of permissions based on the roles of your users.

How to Connect to an OpenVPN Server

Do the following steps:

1. Download OpenVPN client – Go to the OpenVPN Community Downloads website and download the OpenVPN client that is suitable for your operating system.
2. Install OpenVPN client – Follow the installation instructions to set up the OpenVPN client on your computer or device.
3. Download the user profile – Access the OpenVPN Access Server’s web interface and download the user profile for the account you created earlier. This profile contains the necessary configuration details.
4. Import the user profile – Import the downloaded user profile into the OpenVPN client. This step typically involves selecting the “Import” within the client and choosing the downloaded profile.
5. Connect to the server – Open the OpenVPN client, select the imported profile, and click “Connect.” Enter the credentials for the user account. Then the client will establish a secure connection to the OpenVPN server.

How to Install OpenVPN Access Server in Windows

Do the following steps:

1. The OpenVPN protocol is not built into Windows. You must install a client application to handle communication with OpenVPN Access Server. A client application is required to capture the traffic you want to send through the OpenVPN tunnel, encrypt it, pass it on to the server, and decrypt the return traffic.
2. OpenVPN recommends using OpenVPN Connect, which is a pre-configured client app that will connect with your OpenVPN Access Server.
3. Go to the OpenVPN Connect for Windows site to download the latest OpenVPN Connect client app version.
4. Visit the Connecting to Access Server with Windows site for instructions on how to install the OpenVPN Connect application on a Windows computer.

How to Install OpenVPN Access Server in Ubuntu

Do the following steps:

1. Download the package – You can use the ‘wget’ command to download the OpenVPN Access Server package. The following is an example of the command: ‘wget https://swupdate.openvpn.net/as/openvpn-as–Ubuntu20.amd_64.deb’
2. Install the package – Use the ‘dpkg’ command to install the downloaded package. The following is an example of the command: ‘dpkg -i openvpn-as–Ubuntu20.amd_64.deb’
3. Access the web interface – Open a web browser and navigate to https://your-server-ip:943/admin. Log in using the default credentials provided to you during the installation process.
4. Configure the settings – Adjust the network settings and other configurations according to your preferences.
5. Create the user accounts – Generate the user accounts that have varying permissions to gain entry to the OpenVPN access server.

Note: For additional information on how to install OpenVPN Access Server in other Linux distributions, go to the Access Server installation options website, and follow the instructions on the site.

OpenVPN Access Server as an Ideal VPN Solution

To conclude, OpenVPN Access Server is a powerful tool for creating secure network connections. It offers advanced security features, a user-friendly interface, and support for multiple operating systems. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up, connect, and install OpenVPN access server, and effectively use it for your remote connection needs.

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References:

1. Access Server
2. Connecting to Access Server with Windows
3. OpenVPN Access Server Admin Manual
4. OpenVPN Connect for Windows
5. Access Server Installation Options