Learn How To Deploy OpenVPN As A VMware ESXi Virtual Machine And Create A Site-To-Site VPN Connection.
OpenVPN is a free to use open source network connectivity software that makes it possible for anyone to create VPN connections between two separate networks or even between networks and remote devices. OpenVPN can be deployed in an on premise IT environment or on AMAZON AWS, Microsoft AZURE,Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud,Oracle Cloud and more. Learn how to deploy OpenVPN as a VMware ESXi virtual machine. We will also show you how to create a site-to-site VPN connection that can be used to join two separate networks together. Click on the button below to watch the video tutorial
OVERVIEW
In order to complete this tutorial successfully the following items are required. Please ensure to have these items available before taking implimentation action on this tutorial:
1) The OpenVPN virtual appliance OVA file.
2) Authorised access to a VMware ESXi 6.0 server
3) A desktop or laptop running Windows, MacOS or linux and has a web browser installed
4) An internet connection to download all required files.
REQUIREMENTS
1) Go to the official OpenVPN website and download the VMware ESXi virtual appliance .ova file. Please note the OVA file for OpenVPN 2.8.3 is about 800MB in size.
2) Log into VMware ESXi and create a new virtual machine using the OPENVPN.ova file
3) Start the virtual machine, and complete any post installation setup tasks
4) Learn how to create a site to site VPN using two OPENVPN virtual machines to create a link between two separate networks.
Step 1: Download OpenVPN OVA File.
1) Click HERE to visit the official OpenVPN download page and scroll down to the virtual appliances section. OpenVPN provides virtual appliances for the Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware ESXi platforms.
Click on the VMware ESXi download option and click on SAVE on the popup dialogue box.
2) Once the OpenVPN OVA file download is complete open a new web browser tab and enter the IP ADDRESS or FQDN of the VMware ESXi 6.0 server on the browser address bar and click on the VIRTUAL MACHINES button.
Click on the CREATE / REGISTER VM option then choose the “DEPLOY A VIRTUAL MACHINE FROM AN OVF OR OVA FILE” option.
Click on NEXT to proceed.
3) On the select OVF and VMDK files section, add a name for the virtual machine, click on the file selection box and choose the OpenVPN ova file.
Click on NEXT to proceed.
4) On the SELECT STORAGE page choose the ESXi datastore to save the OpeVPN virtual machine configuration files and click on NEXT.
5) On the DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS section set the disk provisioning option the THIN and select the POWER ON AUTOMATICALLY check box so that the OpenVPN virtual machine starts up after its been created.
Click on NEXT to proceed.
6) On the READY TO COMPLETE page, a summary of the OpenVPN virtual machine will be display. This allows you to take a look at the virtual machine configuration and make a final decision on whether to proceed ot not. If there are any adjustments to be made simply click on the PREVIOUS button to browse back to previous pages of the NEW VIRTUAL MACHINE wizard.
7) The virtual machine should now be powered on and running if you selected the POWER ON AUTOMATICALLY option. If not simply select the virtual machine and click on POWER ON.
Launch the virtual machine console by clicking on ACTION > CONSOLE > LAUNCH REMOTE CONSOLE. The default username and password for the OpenVPN virtual applicance is as follows:
username : root
password : openvpnas
8) The OpenVPN license agreement and terms of use will be displayed type in the word YES to accept the license agreement and press ENTER.
Next confirm whether the OpenVPN will be run as the primary access server by typing YES and press ENTER.
