Why Should You Learn How to Create a VPN?

With VPN usage growing 275% since 2019, more users are discovering the benefits of how to create a VPN for personalized security solutions. Building your own VPN server gives you complete control over data encryption, eliminates third-party logging risks, and lets you bypass throttling with a private IP address.

We’ll show you two professional-grade setups:

• Linux/OpenVPN method (most customizable)
• Windows RRAS (native solution)

What You’ll Need:

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a VPN Server

Method 1: Linux with OpenVPN (Gold Standard)

Time Required: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Intermediate

1. Server Setup:

   ssh root@your_server_ip
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
   sudo apt install openvpn easy-rsa -y

2. PKI Configuration:

   make-cadir ~/openvpn-ca
   cd ~/openvpn-ca
   nano vars

   Edit export KEY_ variables for your organization

3. Certificate Authority:

   source vars
   ./clean-all
   ./build-ca  # Accept defaults

4. Server Certificate:

   ./build-key-server server
   ./build-dh

5. Client Configuration:

   cd ~/openvpn-ca/keys
   openvpn --genkey secret ta.key
   sudo cp server.crt server.key ca.crt dh2048.pem ta.key /etc/openvpn

6. Final Configuration:

   sudo nano /etc/openvpn/server.conf

   port 1194
   proto udp
   dev tun
   user nobody
   group nogroup
   persist-key
   persist-tun
   keepalive 10 120
   topology subnet
   server 10.8.0.0 255.255.255.0
   ifconfig-pool-persist ipp.txt
   push "redirect-gateway def1 bypass-dhcp"
   push "dhcp-option DNS 8.8.8.8"
   cipher AES-256-CBC
   auth SHA256
   key-direction 0
   crl-verify crl.pem

7. Enable IP Forwarding:

   sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf
   Uncomment: net.ipv4.ip_forward=1
   sudo sysctl -p

8. Firewall Rules:

   sudo ufw allow 1194/udp
   sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
   sudo ufw disable && sudo ufw enable

Windows Server VPN Setup (RRAS)

Follow Microsoft’s official VPN configuration guide while adding these pro tips:

• Server Manager → Add Roles → Remote Access
• Select “DirectAccess and VPN (RAS)” → Routing → Web Application Proxy (optional)
• Configure IPv4 address pool: 10.8.1.100 – 10.8.1.200
1. For L2TP/IPsec with Pre-Shared Key:

   Set-VpnServerConfiguration -CustomPolicy -AuthenticationTransformConstants GCMAES256 -CipherTransformConstants GCMAES256 -EncryptionMethod AES256 -IntegrityCheckMethod SHA384 -DHGroup Group24 -PfsGroup PFS24

• Create firewall exceptions for IKEv2 (UDP 500/4500) or SSTP (TCP 443)

Professional VPN Management Tips

Alternative VPN Server Solutions

1. WireGuard Setup

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wireguard/wireguard
sudo apt install wireguard resolvconf
wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey

Benefits: 3x faster throughput than OpenVPN on mobile devices

2. Algo VPN (Auto-Deploy)

The open-source project automates:

• IPsec site-to-site tunnels
• Ad-blocking DNS (optional)
• Automatic Let’s Encrypt certificates

Comparison: Self-Hosted vs Commercial VPNs

Conclusion: Why Build VPN Server Solutions?

Learning how to create a VPN server gives enterprise-level security at homebrew prices. For those seeking alternatives, see our guide on how to get commercial VPN services. Whether you build VPN server solutions for personal privacy or business continuity, start with simple configurations before deploying advanced setups.

Pro Tip: Monitor your DIY VPN performance using tools like:

• OpenVPN Install Script (auto-configurator)
• ntopng (real-time traffic analysis)
• PiVPN + Pi-hole (ad-blocking VPN)

[what is VPN]: https://vpnx.blog/whats-a-vpn/
[computer VPN]: https://vpnx.blog/what-is-vpn-on-computer/
[get a VPN]: https://vpnx.blog/how-do-you-get-a-vpn/
[best VPNs]: https://vpnx.blog/which-vpn-is-best/

[cisco vpn]: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/ipsec-negotiation-ike-protocols/14106-how-vpn-works.html
[microsoft vpn]: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-vpn-in-windows-3d29aeb1-f497-f6b7-7633-115722c1009c