A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic passes through that tunnel, hiding your real IP address and protecting your data from eavesdroppers.
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol and software application designed to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. Unlike many proprietary VPN solutions, OpenVPN offers flexibility, strong encryption, and compatibility with multiple operating systems.
In this article, we’ll discuss what OpenVPN is used for, its advantages, its relevance to servers and networking, and the step-by-step guide to installing, configuring, and setting up OpenVPN on Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), and macOS. You'll also learn how to establish your first VPN connection and keep it secure.
What is OpenVPN Used For?
Individuals and organizations use OpenVPN for several practical purposes:
* Remote Access: Employees connect to their company’s private network from home, coffee shops, or hotels. With OpenVPN software installed on a laptop, they can access internal file servers, databases, and printers as if they were physically in the office.
* Bypassing Censorship and Geo-restrictions: Travelers use OpenVPN to connect to an OpenVPN server in their home country, making it appear they are still there. This allows access to streaming platforms, news sites, or banking services that block foreign IP addresses.
* Securing Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to an airport or café Wi-Fi, attackers can sense your traffic. OpenVPN encrypts everything, preventing password theft or session hijacking.
* Connecting Multiple Networks: Businesses with branch offices use OpenVPN to link two or more local area networks (LANs) over the internet, creating one unified, secure network.
Is OpenVPN an Open-Source Software?
OpenVPN is an open-source software, which means anyone can do an OpenVPN download for free, study the source code, modify it, and even distribute their own versions. Its open-source nature has allowed thousands of developers to audit the code for security flaws, which makes OpenVPN one of the most trusted VPN protocols available.
The open-source nature of OpenVPN provides benefits such as transparency and security, cost-effective solutions, and contributions from a global developer community. The availability of OpenVPN download packages for different operating systems makes it accessible to both beginners and advanced users.
What Are the Advantages of Using OpenVPN?
OpenVPN offers the following advantages:
* Strong Encryption: It uses the OpenSSL library, which supports up to AES-256-GCM encryption, SHA-2 authentication, and RSA or ECDHE key exchange.
* Flexibility: It can run over both UDP (faster, better for streaming and gaming) and TCP (more reliable for web browsing).
* Firewall Evasion: OpenVPN can be configured to use port 443 (the same port HTTPS websites use), making it look like ordinary web traffic. Firewalls cannot easily block it without also blocking all secure websites.
* Cross-Platform Support: OpenVPN client software exists for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers running DD-WRT or OpenWrt. You can secure almost any Internet-connected device.
* Active Community: Being open source means countless tutorials, forum discussions, and third-party tools exist.
What is the Relevance of OpenVPN to Servers and Networking?
Every system for network monitoring has five essential components:
* Secure Server Management: System administrators often use OpenVPN to manage servers remotely. Instead of exposing server management ports directly to the internet, administrators connect securely through VPN tunnels.
* Data Center Connectivity: Businesses operating servers in multiple datacenters can use OpenVPN to establish encrypted communication between facilities. This helps protect internal traffic from unauthorized access. Hosting providers and cloud infrastructure companies frequently deploy OpenVPN server solutions to support secure remote administration and customer access.
* Network Segmentation and Access Control: OpenVPN helps organizations control which users and devices can access specific parts of a network. VPN authentication systems can restrict access to authorized personnel only.
* Secure Cloud Integration:Cloud servers and hybrid cloud environments often use OpenVPN for secure communication between local office networks and cloud platforms. VPN tunnels help protect data moving between different environments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installation, Configuration, and Setting Up OpenVPN on Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), and macOS
A. How to Install, Configure and Set Up OpenVPN on Windows
1. Download the client:
* Go to the official OpenVPN community edition download page.
* Click on the Download OpenVPN-2.7.4-1001-amd64.msi button, or on the other installers for the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
2. Install the software:
* Run the installer and follow the installation wizard.”
* Accept the license agreement and choose the default installation options unless customization is requiredAccept the license agreement and choose the default installation options unless customization is required.
3. Install the TAP Drivers:
* During installation, OpenVPN will install TAP virtual network drivers. These drivers are necessary for VPN functionality.
* Allow Windows to complete the driver installation process.
4. Import VPN Configuration Files:
* Your VPN provider or network administrator will provide configuration files with the “.ovpn” Your VPN provider or network administrator will provide configuration files with the “.ovpn” extension.
* Copy those files into the OpenVPN configuration folder, usually located in:
C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config.
5. Launch OpenVPN:
* Open the OpenVPN application as an administrator. The software icon will appear in the system tray.
5. Connect to the VPN Server:
* Right-click the OpenVPN icon and select the desired VPN profile. Enter your login credentials if required.
* Once connected, the system will display a confirmation message.
B. How to Install, Configure and Set Up OpenVPN on Linux (Ubuntu)
The following steps involve the use of commands that you enter into a Command-Line Interface (CLI) terminal.
1. Update Ubuntu Packages:
* Open a CLI terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on the keyboard.
* Run the following command: sudo apt update.
2. Install OpenVPN:
* Install OpenVPN using the following command: sudo apt install openvpn
3. Obtain Configuration Files:
* Download or copy the VPN configuration files provided by your VPN provider or administrator.
4. Move Configuration Files:
* Place the configuration files into a preferred directory, such as: /etc/openvpn/
5. Start OpenVPN:
* Run the following command: sudo openvpn --config filename.ovpn.
* Replace “filename.ovpn” with your actual configuration file name.
5. Verify the Connection:
* Once connected, the terminal will display a message indicating that the VPN connect.
C. How to Install, Configure and Set Up OpenVPN on macOS
1. Choose a client:
* The official OpenVPN Connect app is the simplest client app for this process.
* You can download the app from the Mac App Store, or from the official OpenVPN Connect client download page.
* In the OpenVPN Connect page, click on the macOS View button. Then click on the
Download .dmg button.
2. Install OpenVPN Connect:
* Open the downloaded .dmg file, drag the app to Applications, then launch it.
* macOS may ask you to approve the system extension—go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow it.
3. Import Configuration:
* Click “File” > “Import Profile” and select your .ovpn file.
* Alternatively, double-click the .ovpn file; it will automatically open in OpenVPN Connect.
4. Move Configuration Files:
* Toggle the connection switch on. If the profile requires a username/password, a dialog will appear.
* Once connected, the app shows a green status, and a VPN icon appears in your menu bar.
Setting Up Your First Connection
A. How to Connect to a VPN Server:
1. Import the .ovpn file into your client (refer to the previous OS-specific steps).
2. Launch the client and select that imported profile.
3. Click “Connect.” The software will negotiate parameters—encryption keys, IP assignment, DNS settings—with the remote OpenVPN server.
4. Once the handshake completes, your device’s internet traffic routes through the VPN tunnel. You can verify by visiting a site like “whatismyip.com” to see the server’s IP instead of your own.
B. Basic Tips on How to Keep Your VPN Secure:
1. Use Strong Passwords – Always use strong and unique passwords for VPN accounts. Avoid simple or commonly used passwords.
2. Keep Software Updated – Regularly update your VPN software and operating system to
protect against security vulnerabilities.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication – If available, enable multi-factor authentication for additional security.
4. Protect Configuration Files – VPN configuration files may contain sensitive connection information. Store them securely and avoid sharing them publicly.
5. Monitor Connection Activity – Check VPN connection logs periodically to detect unusual login attempts or unauthorized access. Using a properly configured OpenVPN client helps maintain secure communication between devices and networks.
Why OpenVPN Remains a Trusted VPN Solution
OpenVPN’s maturity, transparency, and flexibility makes it one of the most reliable VPN technologies used today. From protecting online privacy to securing remote server access, it provides an effective solution for encrypted communication across the internet.
For beginners and non-technical users, the OpenVPN software offers a practical way to improve online security without requiring advanced networking knowledge. Businesses also benefit from its scalability and ability to support secure remote work environments and server management systems. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, using secure VPN technologies like OpenVPN becomes increasingly important for protecting sensitive data and maintaining safe Internet connectivity.
Secure Your Network Infrastructure with ServerHub’s Hosting Solutions
Hosting your own OpenVPN server gives you complete control over your privacy, but to achieve the reliability and speed necessary for a seamless remote access experience, you need a robust hosting provider like ServerHub.
With a global infrastructure platform spanning datacenters in strategic key locations, ServerHub offers the ideal environment for deploying your OpenVPN software on dedicated servers or virtual private servers. ServerHub delivers the performance and scalability needed for hosting OpenVPN servers and secure business applications. Contact us now to explore ServerHub’s hosting solutions and deploy your own secure VPN gateway today.
