How to Install and Configure OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu 22.04

How to Install and Configure OpenVPN Server on Ubuntu 22.04

Author: Łukasz Bodziony

Email: lukasz@bodziony.net.pl

Published: June 2025

Introduction

OpenVPN is a powerful open-source VPN solution that provides secure point-to-site and site-to-site connections. In this tutorial, Łukasz Bodziony will guide you through installing and configuring an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS server with sudo/root access
  • At least 1 GB RAM (2 GB+ recommended)
  • A public IP address or domain name pointing to your server
  • Firewall allowing UDP port 1194

Step 1: Update and Install OpenVPN & Easy-RSA

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y  
sudo apt install -y openvpn easy-rsa

Step 2: Set Up the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)


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

In vars, adjust the certificate defaults (e.g. KEY_COUNTRY, KEY_ORG), then:


source vars  
./clean-all  
./build-ca

Step 3: Generate Server Certificate & Keys


./build-key-server server  
./build-dh  
openvpn --genkey --secret keys/ta.key

Step 4: Configure the OpenVPN Service


sudo cp ~/openvpn-ca/keys/{server.crt,server.key,ca.crt,dh.pem,ta.key} /etc/openvpn  
sudo gunzip -c /usr/share/doc/openvpn/examples/sample-config-files/server.conf.gz | sudo tee /etc/openvpn/server.conf

Edit /etc/openvpn/server.conf and set:


port 1194  
proto udp  
dh dh.pem  
tls-auth ta.key 0  
cipher AES-256-CBC  
user nobody  
group nogroup  
persist-key  
persist-tun  
status openvpn-status.log  
verb 3

Step 5: Enable IP Forwarding & Firewall Rules


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

Configure UFW:


sudo ufw allow 1194/udp  
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH  
sudo ufw enable  
sudo ufw status

Add NAT rules:


sudo ufw route allow in on tun0 out on eth0  
sudo ufw reload

Step 6: Start and Enable OpenVPN


sudo systemctl enable openvpn-server@server  
sudo systemctl start openvpn-server@server  
sudo systemctl status openvpn-server@server

Step 7: Generate Client Configuration


cd ~/openvpn-ca  
./build-key client1

Create a client config file client1.ovpn combining certificates and keys, then distribute to clients.

Conclusion

Your OpenVPN server is now up and running on Ubuntu 22.04. You can connect remote clients securely using the generated .ovpn profiles.

🚀 Host your OpenVPN on a fast, reliable VPS: netcloud24.com/servers/vps-linux/

© 2025 Written by Łukasz Bodziony – All rights reserved.

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