How to Setup OpenVPN Server via Docker

Setting up your own OpenVPN server using Docker is an efficient way to ensure secure, private, and scalable VPN access for personal or business use. This guide walks you through deploying an OpenVPN server with Docker Compose, generating client profiles, and connecting from various devices.

Setup OpenVPN Server via Docker

Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following:

• A Linux server (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04) with Docker and Docker Compose installed.
• A public IP address or domain name pointing to your server.
• Ports 1194/UDP open on your firewall.OpenVPNMedium

Step 1: Create the Docker Compose File

In your server’s terminal, create a directory for your OpenVPN setup and navigate into it:

mkdir ~/openvpn-docker
cd ~/openvpn-docker

Create a docker-compose.yml file with the following content:

version: '2'
services:
  openvpn:
    image: kylemanna/openvpn
    container_name: openvpn
    cap_add:
      - NET_ADMIN
    ports:
      - "1194:1194/udp"
    volumes:
      - ./openvpn-data/conf:/etc/openvpn
    restart: always

Step 2: Initialize the OpenVPN Configuration

Replace VPN.SERVERNAME.COM with your server’s domain name or IP address:Medium

docker-compose run --rm openvpn ovpn_genconfig -u udp://VPN.SERVERNAME.COM
docker-compose run --rm openvpn ovpn_initpki

Set a passphrase when prompted.YouTube+1OpenVPN+1

Step 3: Adjust File Permissions

Ensure the current user owns the OpenVPN data directory:

sudo chown -R $(whoami): ./openvpn-data

Step 4: Start the OpenVPN Server

Launch the OpenVPN server container:

docker-compose up -d openvpn

Check the logs to verify the server is running:

docker-compose logs -f

Step 5: Generate Client Certificates and Configuration

Replace your_client_name with a desired client identifier:

export CLIENTNAME="your_client_name"
docker-compose run --rm openvpn easyrsa build-client-full $CLIENTNAME
docker-compose run --rm openvpn ovpn_getclient $CLIENTNAME > $CLIENTNAME.ovpn

Transfer the $CLIENTNAME.ovpn file to the client device.Medium

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Connecting to Your OpenVPN Server

Windows

1. Download and install the OpenVPN Connect client for Windows.
2. Launch the application and import the .ovpn file.
3. Connect to the VPN by selecting the profile and clicking “Connect”.OpenVPN+8TP-Link+8OpenVPN+8Stack Overflow+2OpenVPN+2OpenVPN+2

macOS

1. Download and install the OpenVPN Connect client for macOS.
2. Open the application and import the .ovpn file.
3. Connect to the VPN by selecting the profile and clicking “Connect”.

Android

1. Install the OpenVPN Connect app from Google Play.
2. Transfer the .ovpn file to your device.
3. Open the app, tap the “+” icon, and import the profile.
4. Connect to the VPN by selecting the profile.OpenVPN

iOS

1. Install the OpenVPN Connect app from the App Store.
2. Transfer the .ovpn file to your device via email or cloud storage.
3. Open the file with OpenVPN Connect to import the profile.
4. Connect to the VPN by selecting the profile.Apple

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use TCP instead of UDP?

Yes, modify the docker-compose.yml and replace 1194:1194/udp with 1194:1194/tcp, and adjust the protocol in the ovpn_genconfig command accordingly.

How do I revoke a client certificate?

Run the following command:

docker-compose run --rm openvpn ovpn_revokeclient $CLIENTNAME remove

Is it safe to run this setup in production?

Yes, but ensure you keep your Docker and OpenVPN images up to date, use strong passwords, and monitor your server for unauthorized access.

Can I manage multiple clients?

Absolutely. Repeat the client certificate generation steps for each user, assigning unique CLIENTNAME values.

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By following this guide, you can deploy a secure OpenVPN server using Docker, providing encrypted access to your network resources from various devices.

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