How to Setup a VPN Server on a Samba File Server (Raspbian)
Many of us rely heavily on our mobile devices for online activity and searching for things. With the increasing adoption rate of smartphones and tablets, more and more people are seeking to use these devices as their always-available, go-anywhere, VPN. A VPN server allows users to securely connect to your network and use your resources (such as the Internet2 network) without having to worry about their security. In this post, we’ll discuss the steps necessary to setup a VPN server on a Raspberry Pi or other compatible systems to provide you with a safe and easy-to-use connection whenever you need it.
What Is A VPN Server?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) server creates a secure, private network within the Internet infrastructure that you control. Your VPN server provides you with the ability to securely connect to other devices and services on your network, as well as allow you to access resources, like the Internet, that you may not normally have access to.
The advantage of a VPN server is that it makes using public Wi-Fi (in coffee shops, airports, or other public spaces) safer and more comfortable. A VPN server also provides additional privacy and security when connecting to services like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites where users may be watching their privacy settings closely.
Why Do I Need A VPN Server?
We all use public Wi-Fi on a daily basis without any worry or concern. However, protecting your identity and keeping your personal information secure when using public Wi-Fi is not as easy as it seems. It takes a little planning and research to ensure that your identity is not stolen when using public Wi-Fi. Furthermore, many services and web sites have security measures in place that prevent automated logins from unknown sources. This means that even if you are using the same username and password combination on multiple sites, your login details may still be stored by the service provider, and you may not be able to access those accounts if they are not configured to allow for manual logins from unknown sources. A VPN server allows you to securely connect to other devices and services on your network while keeping your own identity private and hidden from view.
How Do I Set Up A VPN Server On A Raspberry Pi?
The first step in setting up a VPN server on your Raspberry Pi or compatible system is to invest in a VPN router. A VPN router provides you with the ability to securely connect to other devices and services on your network, as well as allows you to access resources, like the Internet, that you may not normally have access to. When selecting a VPN router, it’s essential to look for a model that can provide you with the throughput you need, as well as the level of security you require. It’s also important to look for a VPN router that isn’t too big, so you can plug it in anywhere and still have room to connect multiple devices (e.g. a smartphone, tablet, and laptop) to it. Another important factor to consider when selecting a VPN router is the service provider’s location. If you live in an area where internet censorship is prevalent, it’s essential that the VPN provider is based in an area where they can guarantee they won’t be blocked. Think of the implications of connecting to a VPN that is restricted by your country’s internet service provider. Also, ensure that the VPN provider has an easy to use, online interface and that their support is available 24/7. Once you have purchased your VPN router, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Install OpenVPN
Once you have your VPN router, you can begin installing OpenVPN. OpenVPN is the most commonly used and probably the most simple to use VPN software on the market today. It is extremely lightweight and can easily be installed on a wide variety of operating systems, like Linux and macOS. You can download the OpenVPN software from the official website here. Once you have downloaded and installed OpenVPN, you can begin configuring it. OpenVPN provides a wizard-like user interface that makes setting up a VPN server on a Raspberry Pi extremely quick and easy. Begin by clicking the button on the upper right side of the OpenVPN app window to open the Main Menu. Next, click on Options > Advanced Options to access the configuration menu. Here, you can adjust various parameters such as DNS, Identity, and Site Name (if you’re using a custom site name rather than the default one). Once you’ve adjusted the settings to your liking, click Apply to save them. That’s it! You now have a fully functioning VPN server.
If you’re new to setting up a VPN server or just want a quick how-to, we recommend checking out our step-by-step guide here. It will walk you through the entire process of setting up a VPN server, from start to finish. In addition, if you’re just looking for general information on VPNs, check out our in-depth guide here.
Why Install OpenVPN On A Raspberry Pi?
If you are choosing to install OpenVPN on a Raspberry Pi, there are several reasons why. First, it’s extremely lightweight, which means you can run it on almost any system. Second, it’s open source, which means that you have full control over the software. Third, it’s secure and trusted because it’s widely used by reputable companies and institutions. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s easy to configure. We already mentioned that the OpenVPN wizard-like interface makes setting up a VPN server on a Raspberry Pi extremely quick and easy. Furthermore, we mentioned that OpenVPN is extremely lightweight. This means that you can run it on a Raspberry Pi without suffering from performance issues.
Why Not Use Free VPN Services?
There are numerous free VPN services that you can use to securely connect to other devices and services on your network. The problem is, not all free VPNs are made equal. Some services are highly secure, while others have a habit of disconnecting users after a set period of time (to generate revenue). The best VPN services offer a combination of strong encryption and reliable connection, as well as a user experience that is pleasing and intuitive. When selecting a free VPN service, it’s advisable to look for one that is based in Switzerland or The Netherlands, as they are the most popular jurisdictions for privacy protection.
Step 3: Configure Your Mobile Devices To Connect To The Server
Now that you have a functioning VPN server, you can configure your mobile devices to connect to it. This means that you will install and configure a VPN app on each of your smartphones and tablets. Depending upon which operating system you are using, the process for configuring these apps may vary slightly, but the general concept is the same. Most people prefer to use dedicated apps for managing their VPN servers. These apps, which we will discuss in detail below, allow you to easily connect to your VPN server, as well as monitor and control various settings. If you’re new to VPNs, we recommend downloading and using the OpenVPN app, as it makes configuring and using VPNs very simple and straightforward. The disadvantage of OpenVPN, however, is that it’s proprietary. This means you won’t be able to access your VPN server if you don’t have the OpenVPN app on your mobile devices.
Which VPN Apps Should I Install On My Mobile Devices?
To assist you in choosing a VPN app for your mobile devices, we have compiled a list of the best VPN apps for each operating system, as well as the best overalls. We highly recommend using one of these apps to connect to your VPN server. Additionally, we recommend using dedicated apps for managing and configuring your VPN servers. Below, you will find a list of the top VPN apps for each operating system – Be sure to check out the reviews as well so you can determine which apps are right for your particular needs.
Android
Among Android users, OpenVPN is the most popular and most used VPN client. The main reason behind this is that OpenVPN is one of the most lightweight and simplest VPNs to set up on Android. In addition, the OpenVPN app for Android is entirely free (as in speech), which means that you won’t have to worry about paying fees to use it. Finally, as we mentioned above, OpenVPN is open source, which means that you have full control over the software and can make any necessary changes to it (if you’re so inclined). This is in stark contrast to many proprietary VPNs, which are usually locked down and can be unchangeable once the apps are installed on your device.