Setting up VPN with Ubuntu using local DC as DNS server with Homelab

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure way to connect to a remote network over the internet. It allows you to access resources on that network as if you were physically present there. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a VPN on Ubuntu using your local Data Center (DC) as the DNS server, all within your Homelab environment.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• An Ubuntu machine (can be a physical machine or a virtual machine within your Homelab)
• A local Data Center (DC) running a DNS server
• Basic knowledge of networking concepts

Step 1: Install OpenVPN

The first step is to install OpenVPN, an open-source VPN software, on your Ubuntu machine. Open a terminal and run the following command:

Enter your password when prompted, and the installation will begin. Once the installation is complete, you can verify it by running the following command:

This will display the installed version of OpenVPN.

Step 2: Obtain OpenVPN Configuration Files

In order to connect to your VPN, you need to obtain the OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN provider or set up your own VPN server. If you are setting up your own VPN server, you can generate the necessary configuration files using the OpenVPN server software.

Once you have the configuration files, copy them to a directory on your Ubuntu machine. For example, you can create a directory called "vpn" in your home directory and copy the files there.

Step 3: Configure OpenVPN

Now it's time to configure OpenVPN to connect to your VPN server. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you copied the configuration files. For example:

Next, you need to create a new configuration file with the ".conf" extension. You can use any text editor to create the file. For example, to create a file called "vpn.conf" using the Nano text editor, run the following command:

In the text editor, paste the contents of one of the OpenVPN configuration files you obtained earlier. Save the file and exit the text editor.

Now, you need to edit the configuration file to specify the DNS server. Find the line that starts with "remote" and add the IP address of your local DC DNS server after it. For example:

Save the file and exit the text editor.

Step 4: Connect to the VPN

With the configuration file ready, you can now connect to the VPN. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the configuration file is located. For example:

To establish the VPN connection, run the following command:

You will be prompted to enter your username and password for the VPN. Enter them and press Enter. If the connection is successful, you will see log messages indicating the connection status.

Once connected, you can access resources on the remote network as if you were physically present there.

Conclusion

In this article, we have walked you through the process of setting up a VPN on Ubuntu using your local Data Center (DC) as the DNS server within your Homelab environment. By following these steps, you can securely connect to a remote network and access its resources. Remember to disconnect from the VPN when you no longer need it to ensure the security of your network.

References

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