How to Install and Configure OpenVPN on Fedora for Secure VPN

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With online privacy and security being the most important things these days, relying on a VPN to protect your data from prying eyes has become important. OpenVPN is one of the world-acclaimed open-source VPN solutions that give you the strongest and most secure connections for personal and business use. 

OpenVPN can be easily implemented on Fedora, which has a reputation for being very cutting-edge in features and strong in security policy. In the following guide, we will take you through the installation and configuration of OpenVPN on Fedora, including server and client configurations that will help set up a secure and private network. 

Why Use OpenVPN on Fedora?

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN that provides a reliable and secure internet connection. During remote access, site-to-site connection, and circumventing geo-restrictions, users could create entirely private methods of communication.

The installation of OpenVPN on the Fedora platform utilizes the most advanced security features and updates provided by the operating system, guaranteeing a steady and well-maintained VPN environment. So, the list continues for why you should install and use OpenVPN on Fedora:

• Strong Security: OpenVPN uses robust encryption (such as AES-256) to protect data from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
• Secure Remote Access: Enables users to connect safely to private networks from anywhere in the world.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Masks your IP address to help access restricted content and services.
• Stable and Reliable: Fedora's frequent updates and strong security policies make it a great choice for hosting a VPN.
• Highly Customizable: OpenVPN supports advanced configurations, multiple clients, and flexible networking setups.
• Cost-Effective: Being open-source, OpenVPN is free to use, making it an affordable VPN solution for businesses and individuals.

If you want to learn about the differences between VPN and VPS, read this article: VPN vs VPS

How to Install OpenVPN on Fedora

OpenVPN on Fedora helps you set up your own secure and encrypted VPN connection. All your data will be well protected against cyber treatment while keeping your privacy intact. The following step-by-step guide provides the OpenVPN server and client installation instructions for Fedora.

Update Your System

Before installing OpenVPN, ensure your Fedora system is up to date:

sudo dnf update -y

Once the update is complete, reboot if necessary:

sudo reboot

Install OpenVPN and Required Packages

Install OpenVPN and Easy-RSA, which are needed for certificate management:

sudo dnf install -y openvpn easy-rsa

Set Up the OpenVPN Server

Copy the Easy-RSA files to the OpenVPN directory:

mkdir -p ~/openvpn-ca

cp -r /usr/share/easy-rsa/* ~/openvpn-ca/

cd ~/openvpn-ca

Set up the PKI environment and generate the necessary certificates:

./easyrsa init-pki

./easyrsa build-ca

Follow the prompts and provide a strong password for your certificate authority (CA).

./easyrsa gen-req server nopass

./easyrsa sign-req server server

Generate Diffie-Hellman Parameters and HMAC Key

./easyrsa gen-dh

openvpn --genkey secret ta.key

Move the generated files to the OpenVPN directory:

sudo cp pki/ca.crt pki/private/server.key pki/issued/server.crt pki/dh.pem ta.key /etc/openvpn/

Configure the OpenVPN Server

Copy the sample server configuration file:

sudo cp /usr/share/doc/openvpn/sample-config-files/server.conf /etc/openvpn/server.conf

Edit the configuration file using a text editor:

sudo nano /etc/openvpn/server.conf

Modify the following parameters:

• Set ca, cert, key, and dh file paths to match your generated files.
• Uncomment or adjust the following settings:

port 1194

proto udp

dev tun

ca /etc/openvpn/ca.crt

cert /etc/openvpn/server.crt

key /etc/openvpn/server.key

dh /etc/openvpn/dh.pem

tls-auth /etc/openvpn/ta.key 0

cipher AES-256-CBC

auth SHA256

keepalive 10 120

persist-key

Persist-tun

Save the file (CTRL + X, then Y and Enter).

Enable IP Forwarding

To allow traffic to flow through the VPN, enable IP forwarding:

sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf

Add or modify this line:

net.ipv4.ip_forward = 1

Apply the changes:

sudo sysctl -p

Configure Firewall Rules

Allow VPN traffic through the firewall:

sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=openvpn --permanent

sudo firewall-cmd --add-masquerade --permanent

sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Start and Enable OpenVPN

Start the OpenVPN service and enable it to run at boot:

sudo systemctl start openvpn-server@server

sudo systemctl enable openvpn-server@server

Check the service status:

sudo systemctl status openvpn-server@server

Create OpenVPN Client Configuration

Generate a client certificate and key:

cd ~/openvpn-ca

./easyrsa gen-req client1 nopass

./easyrsa sign-req client client1

Copy the necessary files to the client:

sudo cp pki/ca.crt pki/private/client1.key pki/issued/client1.crt ta.key /etc/openvpn/client/

Create a client configuration file (client.ovpn):

client

dev tun

proto udp

remote YOUR_SERVER_IP 1194

resolv-retry infinite

nobind

persist-key

persist-tun

ca ca.crt

cert client1.crt

key client1.key

tls-auth ta.key 1

cipher AES-256-CBC

auth SHA256

comp-lzo

verb 3

Transfer this file to your client device and connect using an OpenVPN client.

Test the VPN Connection

Start the OpenVPN client and connect using the client.ovpn file. Check your new IP address to confirm the VPN is working properly.

If you want to know how to install OpenVPN on VPS, use the article below:
Install OpenVPN on VPS

Troubleshooting OpenVPN Issues on Fedora

When configuring OpenVPN on Fedora, you might run into some issues that would interrupt a successful connection for you. Some of the problems would be attributed to improper configurations, a firewall blocking your connection, or missing dependencies. 

Understanding the cause of any error would be beneficial in troubleshooting and ensuring a good VPN connection. Below is a list of common OpenVPN issues on Fedora and their respective solutions.

Read this article to learn about the differences between Fedora and Ubuntu: Fedora vs Ubuntu

Conclusion

By establishing OpenVPN on Fedora, you can secure and encrypt almost everything you do online, either personally or professionally. With this guide, the setup, configuration of OpenVPN, and preparation of server and client have been made successful, with mandatory firewall and security settings applied.

Eliminating common issues ensures a smooth and reliable experience with her. OpenVPN access installed on Fedora makes it possible to enjoy individually secure remote access, unlock geo-restrictions, and completely keep your activities anonymous.