Deploying an OpenVPN server
Find out how to install an OpenVPN server on a VPS
Last updated 24th June 2021
Objective
OpenVPN is a software giving you the possibility to create a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Using the OVHcloud VPS template for an OpenVPN server, you will be able to install and use your personal VPN service within a few steps.
This guide explains how to create your own VPN service with a VPS and OpenVPN.
Requirements
- access to the OVHcloud Control Panel
- an OVHcloud VPS service
Instructions
Installing the OpenVPN server
If you want to use an existing VPS service, you can do so from your OVHcloud Control Panel by reinstalling it with the OpenVPN template.
Order your VPS on the product page. At the image selection, choose Distribution with application and then OpenVPN as the OS.
Once your VPS is installed, you will receive an email with your credentials.
Your VPN server is now ready. To log in, click on the link inside the installation email which will open the OpenVPN Client web interface. Enter your OpenVPN credentials provided in the same email.
Installing and using the OpenVPN client for various systems
On Windows
On the Client web interface, select the Windows symbol.
Save the .msi file and execute it.
Once installed, you can launch the client application via the Windows menu or from the taskbar.
Log in with your OpenVPN credentials provided in the installation email.
You will now be communicating over the internet with the IP address of your VPN.
You can check your IP address on this web page: https://ifconfig.ovh/
On Linux
Installing the OpenVPN client
To install the client for distributions such as Fedora/CentOS/RedHat:
sudo yum install openvpn
To install the client for distributions such as Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt-get install openvpn
You also have to download the configuration file client.ovpn from the OpenVPN Client web interface.
Launching the OpenVPN client with your configuration file
sudo openvpn --config client.ovpn
You will be prompted to enter your credentials:
Enter Auth Username: openvpn
Enter Auth Password: ******************************************
You will now be communicating over the internet with the IP address of your VPN.
You can check your IP address on this web page: https://ifconfig.ovh/.
On MacOS
After logging in, select the Apple symbol.
Save the file and execute it.
Log in with your OpenVPN credentials provided in the installation email.
You will now be communicating over the internet with the IP address of your VPN.
You can check your IP address on this web page: https://ifconfig.ovh/.
Accessing your OpenVPN server
In the OpenVPN Client web interface which you can access via the URL in your installation email, click on the Admin button.
You can also add admin to the OpenVPN URL to reach the login page directly:
https://IP_of_your_VPS:943/admin
Log in with the same OpenVPN credentials provided in the email and accept the terms and conditions.
You now have access to the OpenVPN Server control panel.
Go further
Join our user community on https://community.ovh.com/en/.
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