OpenVPN – virtual private network (VPN) solution

OpenVPN is a full-featured virtual private network (VPN) solution which can accommodate a wide range of configurations, including remote access, site-to-site VPNs, WiFi security, and enterprise-scale remote access solutions with load balancing, failover, and fine-grained access-controls.

OpenVPN implements OSI layer 2 or 3 secure network extension using the industry standard SSL/TLS protocol, supports flexible client authentication methods based on certificates, smart cards, and/or 2-factor authentication, and allows user or group-specific access control policies using firewall rules applied to the VPN virtual interface.

OpenVPN is not a web application proxy and does not operate through a web browser.

Features include:

• Tunnel any IP subnetwork or virtual ethernet adapter over a single UDP or TCP port.
• Configure a scalable, load-balanced VPN server farm using one or more machines which can handle thousands of dynamic connections from incoming VPN clients.
• Use all of the encryption, authentication, and certification features of the OpenSSL library to protect your private network traffic as it transits the internet.
• Use any cipher, key size, or HMAC digest (for datagram integrity checking) supported by the OpenSSL library.
• Choose between static-key based conventional encryption or certificate-based public key encryption.
• Use static, pre-shared keys or TLS-based dynamic key exchange.
• Use real-time adaptive link compression and traffic-shaping to manage link bandwidth utilization.
• Tunnel networks whose public endpoints are dynamic such as DHCP or dial-in clients.
• Tunnel networks through connection-oriented stateful firewalls without having to use explicit firewall rules.
• Tunnel networks over NAT.
• Create secure ethernet bridges using virtual tap devices.
• Graphical User Interface.

Website: openvpn.net
Support: HOWTO
Developer: James Yonan
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

OpenVPN is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Security

Explore Linux
	Best Free and Open Source Software - A huge collection of recommended free and open source software covering every major category.
	In-depth Linux Software Reviews - Detailed assessments of Linux software covering features, usability and overall quality.
	The Big List of Active Linux Distros - An extensive collection of actively developed Linux distributions.
	Open Source Alternatives - Alternatives to software and services from Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle and others.
	Essential Linux System Tools - Indispensable utilities for monitoring, maintaining and managing Linux systems.
	Linux Productivity Tools - Useful utilities for improving productivity and streamlining everyday tasks.
	Alternatives to Popular CLI Tools - Modern alternatives to familiar command-line utilities supplied with Linux systems.
	Awesome Free Linux Game Tools - Tools, utilities and companion software that improve gaming on Linux.
	Machine Learning on Linux - Machine learning and deep learning software, self-hosted applications and practical tools.
	Saving Money with Linux - Practical ways to reduce electricity consumption and lower computing costs with Linux.
	Linux Candy - Fun, entertaining and sometimes delightfully quirky software from the lighter side of Linux.