OpenVPN is an encrypted virtual private network (VPN) widely used to secure a connection between remote users and private networks. Configuring OpenVPN on a MikroTik router can be a complex task for network administrators, particularly those with limited routing protocol experience.

This article provides an overview of OpenVPN and its features, followed by a comprehensive guide to configuring a secure OpenVPN connection on a MikroTik router. Whether you're a seasoned network engineer or relatively new to the field, this article will provide everything you need to know about setting up an OpenVPN connection on your MikroTik router.

Why Use OpenVPN on a MikroTik Router

  • Improved Security: OpenVPN on MikroTik routers provides your network with an extra layer of security by encrypting traffic and ensuring it is routed.
  • Increased Privacy: By enabling OpenVPN on your MikroTik router, you can rest assured that your online activities are kept private and anonymous.
  • Access to Remote Networks: With OpenVPN, you can give authorized users secure access to your local network from any remote location.
  • Easy Configuration: OpenVPN can be quickly and easily configured on your MikroTik router using its web-based configuration interface. 
  • Reliability: OpenVPN is a reliable protocol compatible with MikroTik routers, offering an uninterrupted connection even in difficult networking environments. 
  • Cost Efficiency: OpenVPN is open-source software, making it free for anyone with a MikroTik router.

How to Configure OpenVPN on a MikroTik Router

  1. Download the OpenVPN configuration file from your VPN provider.
  2. Log in to your MikroTik router with Winbox and go to the Files tab.
  3. Click "Upload" and select the OpenVPN configuration file you downloaded in Step 1.
  4. Go to the IP > OpenVPN > Server tab and click "New Profile".
  5. Select the uploaded OpenVPN configuration file from the drop-down menu.
  6. Enter the username and password associated with your OpenVPN account in the authentication box.
  7. Check the "Enabled" option and click "Apply".
  8. Go to the IP > Firewall tab and create a new rule (place it at the top).
  9. Set protocol as "UDP" and destination port as "1194". Enable the rule by checking the "Enabled" option and clicking "Apply".
  10. Go to the IP > Routes tab and add a new route with your OpenVPN server IP address as destination, the interface as your OpenVPN tunnel, gateway as your OpenVPN server IP address, and check the "Enabled" option. Click "Apply". 
  11. Congratulations, you have successfully set up the OpenVPN configuration on the MikroTik router!

Wrapping Up

Setting up OpenVPN configuration on the MikroTik router is a straightforward process. With a MikroTik router and OpenVPN, users can securely access the internet remotely with an encrypted connection. The configuration steps outlined in this tutorial provide an easy way to set up an OpenVPN connection on your MikroTik router quickly. With these steps, users can quickly get an OpenVPN connection up and running on their MikroTik router.

  • Using OpenVPN on MikroTik routers provides better network security, privacy, and remote access abilities. It allows secure access from any device without risking data or network integrity.
  • MikroTik routers are powerful networking devices that offer a wide range of features and functionalities. They are highly configurable and can be used in various network setups.

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FAQ

How do I set up an OpenVPN configuration on a MikroTik router?

To set up OpenVPN configuration on a MikroTik router, you need to configure the OpenVPN server settings in the router's web interface, add the necessary parameters for the connection, and then generate certificates for both the client and server. 

What does the remote access VPN feature on MikroTik do?

MikroTik's remote access VPN feature allows remote users to access resources or services behind the router through a secure encrypted tunnel. This feature provides remote users with a safe and secure way to access resources or services without compromising their security.

What types of authentication methods can be used with OpenVPN on MikroTik? 

OpenVPN on MikroTik can use three different authentication methods: username/password authentication, certificate authentication, and one-time password authentication. Each of these authentication methods provides a different level of security and is suitable for different scenarios.

What is the default IP range for clients connecting through OpenVPN on MikroTik? 

The default IP range for clients connecting through OpenVPN on MikroTik is 192.168.10.0/24. This IP range will assign an IP address to each client that establishes a connection through OpenVPN. 

How many users are supported by the OpenVPN server on MikroTik? 

The OpenVPN server on MikroTik supports up to 500 concurrent users simultaneously, providing ample capacity for even large networks. This allows network administrators to easily scale their network as needed without worrying about running out of user capacity. 

What is the default user profile for OpenVPN users? 

The default user profile for OpenVPN users is based on the local user database of the router, which means that each user must have an account in the local user database to be able to access the network through the OpenVPN server. 

Is configuring multiple subnets for multiple clients on the same OpenVPN server possible? 

Configuring multiple subnets for multiple clients on the same OpenVPN server is possible. This can be done by configuring virtual adapters in the router's web interface and assigning each adapter a different subnet address so that each client can be assigned its unique subnet address range. 

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