Setting Up a Free VPN Server on AWS

Introduction

• Purpose of a VPN: Protects internet activity from hackers.
• Objective: Set up a free VPN on AWS without paying.

Prerequisites

1. AWS Account: Sign up for a free AWS account.
2. Coffee: Recommended for the process.

Steps to Set Up VPN Server

Logging into AWS

• Website: Go to aws.amazon.com.
• Login: Enter AWS console.

EC2 Instance Setup

• Navigate to Services: Click on 'Services' -> 'EC2' under 'Compute'.
• Launch Instance:
  • Click 'Launch instance'.
  • Select AMIs -> AWS Marketplace.
  • Search for OpenVPN in the search bar.
  • Choose the first option: Ubuntu server with OpenVPN (free tier eligible).

Selecting Instance Size

• Choose Size: Select T2.micro (free tier eligible).
• Review and Launch:
  • Click 'Review and launch'.
  • Hit 'Launch' again.

Key Pair Setup

• Create Key Pair:
  • Choose 'Create a new pair'.
  • Name it (e.g., VPN server).
  • Download the key pair (.pem file).

Connecting to Instance

• SSH Connection:
  • Right-click instance, select 'Connect'.
  • Use 'Standalone SSH' option.
  • Modify command for key location if necessary.
  • Run command in terminal or command prompt.

Initializing Server

• Accept Default Settings: Enter yes to accept terms.
• User Change: Reconnect as openvpn AS instead of root.

Configuring User Password

• Password Setup:
  • Run sudo passwd openvpn.
  • Set and confirm a password.

Accessing Admin Panel

• Public IP Address: Copy IPv4 Public IP from AWS.
• Admin Page:
  • Open browser: https://<your-ip>:943/admin.
  • Proceed through security warning.
  • Login: Username openvpn, password set earlier.

Configuring VPN Settings

• Route Internet Traffic:
  • Under 'VPN settings', enable "Yes, all client traffic should be routed through the VPN".
  • Save settings and update server.

Connecting Clients

• User Portal Access:
  • Go to https://<your-ip>:943.
  • Login with openvpn and password.
  • Download client software for your OS (e.g., Windows).

Installing Client Software

• Install Client:
  • Run downloaded installer.
  • Follow prompts to complete installation.

Testing VPN

• Connect and Verify:
  • Use OpenVPN client to connect.
  • Verify IP address via Google what's my IP.

Additional Information

• Mobile Setup: Use the OpenVPN app for iOS/Android.
• 12-Month AWS Free Tier: Allows 750 hours of free usage/month.
• Post-Free Period Cost: Around $10/month.

Conclusion

• Benefits: Secure internet and potential AWS skills enhancement.
• Further Learning: Consider AWS courses for career development.
• Feedback: Try setting up and engage for feedback.