How to Install OpenVPN Access Server on a Linux System

Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install OpenVPN Access Server on a Linux system, let’s briefly understand - What is OpenVPN ?

OpenVPN is a secure and versatile virtual private network protocol. It allows users to create a private network connection over the internet, ensuring privacy and data encryption. OpenVPN uses a combination of secure methods to establish a secure connection between devices, making it widely trusted.

With its ability to bypass firewalls and internet restrictions, OpenVPN provides users with anonymity and unrestricted access to online resources. This open-source software is compatible with various operating systems, making it a popular choice for individuals and organizations seeking enhanced online privacy and security.

In this tutorial, you will install the OpenVPN Access Server on a Linux System. We will also address a few FAQs on how to install OpenVPN Access Server on a Linux System.

Advantages of OpenVPN

1. Security: OpenVPN ensures data encryption, protecting your online activities from unauthorized access.
2. Privacy: It creates a secure tunnel between devices, preventing ISPs or third parties from tracking your online behavior.
3. Versatility: OpenVPN is compatible with multiple platforms, allowing users to connect from various devices.
4. Anonymity: OpenVPN enables anonymous browsing, protecting your identity and location from prying eyes.
5. Access: It bypasses firewalls and restrictions, providing unrestricted access to online content and services.

Prerequisites

• A working Linux operating system. (We will be using Ubuntu 20)
• Accurate time as well as the date on the server.

apt update
apt -y install tzdata
dpkg-reconfigure tzdata

• To have a proper Access Server connected to the Internet without any interference, and usually recommends doing this with a firewall system.
• To check the proper functioning of the DNS resolution. Both the OpenVPN connect client software bundle, as well as the OpenVPN Access Server, need to get installed properly.

Step 1 - Installing and Upgrading the Repository

1) First, you will need to know about the operating system. To know this, you will need to use the following steps:

• Determining the operating system.
• Run the instructions for the OS from the website for installing the repository.
• The instructions will also help in installing the latest version of the OpenVPN Access Server. To know the operating system use the following command:

cat /etc/issue
lsb_release -a
uname -a

If you are not using Ubuntu then

1. visit this page
2. choose your distro and click on it.
3. Follow the instructions and click on that link

5.  Complete your Sign in or Sign up.

6.  After that the page will be loaded like below, choose your distro version and enter the commands:

They only differ on repository. E.g. like below different repos for Ubuntu versions:

# Ubuntu 18.04
echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc] http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian bionic main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list

# Ubuntu 20.04
echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc] http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian focal main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list

# Ubuntu 20.04 (arm64)
echo "deb [arch=arm64 signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc] http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian focal main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list

# Ubuntu 22 
echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc] http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian jammy main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list

# Ubuntu 22 (arm64)
echo "deb [arch=arm64 signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc] http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian jammy main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list

Example For Ubuntu 20:

sudo apt update && sudo apt -y install ca-certificates wget net-tools gnupg

sudo wget https://as-repository.openvpn.net/as-repo-public.asc -qO /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc

echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/as-repository.asc] http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian focal main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list

sudo apt update && sudo apt -y install openvpn-as

Following is the example of output after it is installed:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Access Server 2.11.3 has been successfully installed in /usr/local/openvpn_as
Configuration log file has been written to /usr/local/openvpn_as/init.log


Access Server Web UIs are available here:
Admin  UI: https://172.31.90.47:943/admin
Client UI: https://172.31.90.47:943/
To login please use the "openvpn" account with "NcarXKj8yRH2" password.
(password can be changed on Admin UI)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Step 2 - Finishing the Configuration

Once the program installs, it will automatically configure itself. After installation, it will tell where you will find the client web service, and connect to the Access Server. You will enter as an administrative user.

1) Visit the admin address and log in with your username and initial password. It has a self-signed SSL certificate, so you will get a warning in the browser like "Invalid Certificate", click on advanced -> accept the risk and continue.

2) After you're logged in, you will see a dashboard something like this:

4) Now, first change your password and activate your license.

FAQs to Install OpenVPN Access Server On a Linux System

Conclusion

We hope this tutorial helped you to successfully install the OpenVPN Access Server. To learn more about OpenVPN, visit OpenVPN Community Resources.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them for sure.