we need to set up a vpn for remote workers but i have no clue — what's the simplest way?

Ömer N***2 months ago·48 messages·11.3K views#vpn #network #remote work

Ömer N***MemberCommunity member

Joined: Jun 2022
Message: 62

2 months ago#1

we need to set up a vpn but honestly i'm a bit scared. i don't have a network admin, i'll handle it myself. i have a linux server (from a cloud provider) i installed openvpn but do you know the right way to configure it?

looking for a simple setup: 10 employees will connect, encryption should be secure but setup shouldn't be complicated. openvpn, wireguard, ikev2... which one? how do i manage certificates?

budget is tight, i don't want to use any paid vpn service. can i start by installing vpn software on the server and configuring the clients? not sure if anyone would share a sample config file.

Gürkan K***Member

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2 months agoMost Helpful#2

wireguard is recommended for smes (simple, fast, secure). steps: 1) install on linux server (ubuntu: apt install wireguard), 2) create private/public key pair (wg genkey, wg pubkey), 3) server config (/etc/wireguard/wg0.conf): put server private key and listen port (like 5100) in [Interface] section, 4) client config: put client public key in [Peer] section, 5) install wireguard app on clients' devices (windows, mac, linux, ios, android), 6) copy the config file, send to client as qr code or file. 7) open 5100/udp in firewall. testing: ping server, check traceroute. setting it up on a cloud provider is optimized, ready with a few commands. no certificates needed (pre-shared keys), setup is simpler. if you have no budget, ikev2 via self-signed ssl is an option but more complex.

Ömer D***Member

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2 months ago#3

wireguard is great, setup takes 30 mins. generate private key with openssl write conf file, clients get config, its super lightweight. i have 5 clients running always smooth.

Metin K***Member

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2 months ago#4

wireguard setup script: 'curl -L https://git.io/wireguard | bash' (ubuntu), then generate config for clients: 'wg-quick up wg0'. server restart: 'sudo systemctl restart wg-quick@wg0'. ports: 51820/udp default, custom port recommended (like 5100). client config file can be shared — use encrypted channel (sftp, email + password). certificate-based vpn (openvpn/ikev2) is more enterprise but management is complex.

Tolga S***New memberCommunity member

Joined: Aug 2026
Message: 112

2 months ago#5

just start with wireguard it's very simple. connect to server via ssh follow wg-quick setup get client file send to employees. no parameters asked they connect directly. openvpn is more complex certs etc. hire an it guy for 1 hour to do the setup, then relax...

edit: fixed a few typos.

Elif T***Member

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2 months ago#6

vpn protocol comparison: openvpn (mature, flexible, complex) wireguard (modern, fast, simple, 4000 lines of code vs 100k), ikev2 (apple friendly, complex config) l2tp/ipsec (old, rarely used). wireguard is best for smes. setup time: wireguard 30 min, openvpn 2-3 hours ikev2 4 hours. cost: free (open source). ubuntu 20.04+ recommended on server a $5/mo vm on a cloud provider or linode is enough.

Gökhan Ç***Member

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2 months ago#7

wireguard is honestly awesome, its so simple you wont believe it then two commands on server get client config done. dont even try openvpn setup is a killer...