OpenVPN explained

Our most popular format of OpenVPN is where we use enterprise grade TP-Link routers to provide a secure, fast and easy to deploy VPN.

OpenVPN is one of the most popular and secure ways to connect remote computers and laptops to a server on your network.

Data folder(s) shared on your server in the office may be shared over the internet to remote users wherever they may be.

In the example below there are 4 computers in the office wired to the network and one laptop wirelessly connected to the network. Each user logs on to their device with a username and password. This username and password matched ones already programed into the server and the end users can log into it straight away.

Access to the folders on the server can be divided up according to the individual end users needs. So a public folder would be accessible to all users but an office folder may only be accessible to one user.

Megganet configure the router as the OpenVPN server as it provides a very high level of security while providing ease of access.

Remote users need an additional layer of security and the router will also need to be configured with their username and password.

Remember, if you are working on a large file, response times may be sluggish. If this is the case, copy the data to your remote device and work on it locally. When finished, simply copy it back to your server.

Remote user: initial configuration

In order for Megganet to install OpenVPN on your remote device, we firstly take remote access of it. This enables us to install the correct version of OpenVPN and test the connections to your shared folders.

Remote user: testing the connection

We also show you how to test the port forwarding and ping the IP address of your router and how to use PowerShell to test the open port needed for your connection. This may never be required but it can be useful if your server is slow to react.

Remote user: connecting

In order for a remote user to connect to an OpenVPN server, they must first run the OpenVPN program.

First, run the OpenVPN program (pic of Icon above).

Click on the ‘Connect’ button as shown in the pic above.

If required, enter your username and password and select ‘Enter’. Once it says ‘Connected’ you can check you have access to the server. To keep things as easy as possible, we normally pre program the OpenVPN client with the username and password for the VPN.

You can connect to your server either by using a link already stored on your computer or by connecting manually. To connect to your server manually, enter the IP of your server in the address bar of windows explorer.

In the above example below, the IP address is 192.168.0.3 but your IP address may be different.

We will take you through the process of connecting and don’t worry, if it fails the second time, just contact us and we will take you through any issues. If you use mapped folders (for example, P: = your Public folder), you should be able to get access straight away.