Virtual Private Server (VPS) tunneling is a technique that allows you to securely connect two servers, Server A and Server B, over the internet. It provides a way to create a private network between the two servers, allowing you to access resources on Server B from Server A as if they were on the same local network. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up VPS tunneling using the Outline VPN software.
What is Outline VPN?
Outline VPN is an open-source tool developed by Jigsaw, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. It enables you to create and manage your own VPN server, giving you full control over your data and privacy. With Outline, you can easily set up a secure VPS tunnel between Server A and Server B.
Step 1: Set up Server A
The first step is to set up Server A, which will act as the client connecting to Server B. Here's what you need to do:
- Choose a VPS provider and sign up for an account. There are many reputable providers available, such as DigitalOcean, Linode, and Vultr.
- Create a new VPS instance and choose the operating system of your choice. We recommend using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu.
- Connect to your VPS using SSH. You will need to use a terminal emulator like PuTTY (for Windows) or the built-in Terminal (for macOS and Linux).
- Update the system packages by running the following commands:
sudo apt updatesudo apt upgrade - Install Outline VPN by running the following commands:
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Jigsaw-Code/outline-server/master/src/server_manager/install_scripts/install_server.sh | bash - Follow the prompts to set up a password and generate a configuration file.
Step 2: Set up Server B
Next, you need to set up Server B, which will act as the Outline VPN server. Follow these steps:
- Choose another VPS provider and sign up for an account. Make sure the provider allows running custom VPN software.
- Create a new VPS instance and choose the operating system. Again, we recommend using a Linux distribution.
- Connect to your VPS using SSH.
- Update the system packages by running the following commands:
sudo apt updatesudo apt upgrade - Install Outline VPN by running the following commands:
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Jigsaw-Code/outline-server/master/src/server_manager/install_scripts/install_server.sh | bash - Follow the prompts to set up a password and generate a configuration file.
Step 3: Connect Server A to Server B
Now that both servers are set up, it's time to establish the VPS tunnel between Server A and Server B. Follow these instructions:
- On Server A, open the Outline Manager by visiting
http://your_server_a_ip_addressin a web browser. - Click on "Add Access Key" and enter the password you set up during the installation.
- Download the Outline client for your operating system and install it on Server A.
- Launch the Outline client and paste the access key you generated in the previous step.
- Server A will now connect to Server B and establish a secure VPS tunnel.
Step 4: Test the VPS Tunnel
Finally, it's time to test the VPS tunnel and make sure everything is working correctly. Here's what you need to do:
- On Server A, open a terminal or command prompt.
- Try pinging Server B by running the following command:
ping your_server_b_ip_address - If you receive a response, congratulations! The VPS tunnel is working.
- You can now access resources on Server B from Server A as if they were on the same local network.
That's it! You have successfully set up VPS tunneling from Server A to Server B using Outline VPN. Enjoy secure and private connectivity between your servers.
References
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| Outline VPN GitHub Repository | https://github.com/Jigsaw-Code/outline-server |
| DigitalOcean | https://www.digitalocean.com/ |
| Linode | https://www.linode.com/ |
| Vultr | https://www.vultr.com/ |