OpenVPN provides a secure, encrypted connection between remote devices and the internal network, ensuring that sensitive business data remains protected when accessed from outside the office.

For SMBs, where resources may be limited, utilizing a QNAP NAS with OpenVPN offers an affordable yet robust solution to maintain data privacy, safeguard against cyber threats, and ensure business continuity with remote access to critical files and applications.

We recently write an article about getting started with QNAP NAS and we find really crucial to be able to install and configure a secured VPN in the meantime.

Step 1: Install the QVPN Service

  1. Log in to QTS: Open your QNAP NAS web interface and log in as an admin.
  2. Install QVPN Service:
    • Open the "App Center" and search for QVPN Service.
    • Click "Install" and wait for the app to finish installing.

Step 2: Configure OpenVPN in QVPN Service

  1. Open the QVPN Service App:
    • Go to Control Panel > Applications > QVPN Service or simply find it in the App Center once installed.
  2. Enable OpenVPN:
    • In QVPN Service, navigate to the VPN Server tab and select OpenVPN.
    • Toggle the Enable OpenVPN Server switch to turn it on.
  3. Configure OpenVPN Settings:
    • You can customize settings such as Port (default: 1194), Maximum number of clients, and whether you want to enable Compression or DNS server options. Most users can leave the default settings unless specific requirements are needed.
    • Click Apply to save the changes.

Step 3: Download OpenVPN Configuration File

  1. Download the OpenVPN Configuration File:
    • After enabling OpenVPN, click Export Configuration File. This file (.ovpn) contains the necessary settings for connecting to your VPN.
  2. Distribute the File to Users:
    • You will need to distribute this configuration file to each client device that needs to connect to the VPN.

Step 4: Set Up Port Forwarding on Your Router

  1. Access Your Router’s Interface:
    • Log in to your router’s management interface.
  2. Set Up Port Forwarding:
    • Forward the OpenVPN port (default: 1194) to the IP address of your QNAP NAS.
  3. Apply the Settings:
    • Once the port forwarding is set up, apply the settings on your router.

Step 5: Configure OpenVPN Client Devices

  1. Install OpenVPN Client:
    • On each device (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), download and install the OpenVPN client from the OpenVPN official site.
  2. Import the .ovpn File:
    • Open the OpenVPN client and import the .ovpn configuration file that you downloaded from the QNAP NAS.
  3. Connect to OpenVPN:
    • Use the OpenVPN client to connect to the QNAP OpenVPN server using the imported settings.

Right before connecting to the VPN, make sure you switch your network to ensure that the link is working as you were accessing from distance. We are currently connected to a personal Samsung S24 hotspot using 5G

Then you can press 'Connect' and the magic starts right away !

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