Setting Up OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec & SSTP VPN Using SoftEther

In today’s interconnected world, having a secure and private internet connection is of utmost importance. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a reliable solution to address this need. They ensure data encryption and direct it through secure servers. In this blog post, we will delve into the process of setting up three popular VPN protocols—OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP—using the versatile SoftEther VPN software.

OpenVPN, being an open-source protocol, is widely recognized for its strong security measures and adaptability. L2TP/IPSec, on the other hand, is a commonly used protocol that combines the strengths of Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec). Lastly, SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) offers an exceptionally secure VPN solution by operating over the SSL/TLS protocol.

SoftEther VPN

SoftEther VPN is indeed an open-source software that provides secure and encrypted communication over networks, allowing users to create VPN connections. The software supports multiple VPN protocols, including SSL-VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and Microsoft’s SSTP. This broad protocol support ensures compatibility with various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, making it a versatile option accessible across different platforms.

One notable feature of SoftEther VPN is its ability to penetrate firewalls. This means that even in restricted network environments where firewalls are in place, users can establish VPN connections. This is achieved through a technique known as “VPN over HTTPS,” which disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. By doing so, it becomes more challenging for firewalls to detect and block the VPN connection, providing users with greater flexibility in accessing VPN services.

SoftEther VPN also offers advanced functionalities like Ethernet over VPN. With this feature, the VPN client can create a virtual Ethernet network segment over the VPN connection. Essentially, it extends the local network over the internet, allowing remote access to local network resources. This capability proves particularly useful in scenarios where users need to access resources on their local network remotely.

Prerequisites for Setting Up SoftEther VPN

To set up SoftEther VPN, there are several prerequisites you need to consider:

• Compatible Operating System: SoftEther VPN supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD. Make sure that the operating system you intend to use is compatible with SoftEther VPN.
• Sufficient System Resources: SoftEther VPN requires a certain amount of system resources to function properly. Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for CPU, RAM, and disk space. You can find detailed system requirements in the SoftEther VPN documentation specific to your operating system.
• Administrative Access: To install and configure SoftEther VPN, you will need administrative access or root privileges on the server or computer where you plan to set up the VPN.
• External IP Address: SoftEther VPN requires an external IP address for the VPN server. This IP address should be accessible to clients who want to connect to the VPN. If you are behind a router or firewall, you may need to configure port forwarding to allow incoming VPN connections to reach the server.
• Firewall and Port Forwarding Configuration: SoftEther VPN uses specific ports for its protocols. You will need to configure your firewall to allow incoming and outgoing traffic on these ports. If you are using a router or firewall, in addition, you may also need to set up port forwarding to direct VPN traffic to the server.
• Basic Networking Knowledge: While not mandatory, having a basic understanding of networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, and routing can be helpful during the configuration process. Familiarity with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and DNS (Domain Name System) concepts can also be beneficial.

Setup OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec & SSTP VPN Using SoftEther

To set up OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP VPN using SoftEther, follow these general steps:

Download and Install SoftEther VPN Server:

• Go to the SoftEther VPN website (https://www.softether.org/) and download the latest version of SoftEther VPN Server for your operating system.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Launch SoftEther VPN Server Manager:

After installation, launch the SoftEther VPN Server Manager application.

Create a Virtual Hub:

• In the SoftEther VPN Server Manager, click on “Manage Virtual Hub” on the left-hand side.
• Click on “Virtual Hub” and then click the “New Virtual Hub” button.
• Enter a name for the virtual hub and click “OK” to create it.

Configure OpenVPN:

• In the SoftEther VPN Server Manager, click on “VPN Azure Cloud Service Settings” on the left-hand side.

• Click on the “OpenVPN / MS-SSTP VPN” tab.
• Enable the “OpenVPN Server” checkbox.
• Configure the OpenVPN settings, including the port number, encryption, and authentication options.
• Save the settings.

Setup L2TP/IPSec:

• In the SoftEther VPN Server Manager, click on “VPN Azure Cloud Service Settings” on the left-hand side.

• Click on the “L2TP/IPSec VPN Server” tab.
• Enable the “Enable L2TP/IPSec VPN Server Function” checkbox.
• Configure the L2TP/IPSec settings, including the pre-shared key, encryption, and authentication options.
• Save the settings.

Configure SSTP:

• In the SoftEther VPN Server Manager, click on “VPN Azure Cloud Service Settings” on the left-hand side.
• Click on the “OpenVPN / MS-SSTP VPN” tab.
• Enable the “MS-SSTP VPN Server” checkbox.
• Configure the SSTP settings, including the certificate settings and authentication options.
• Save the settings.

User Authentication:

• In the SoftEther VPN Server Manager, click on “Manage Users” on the left-hand side.
• Click on “User Creation” and create user accounts with usernames and passwords.
• Assign appropriate permissions to the user accounts.

Start the SoftEther VPN Server:

• In the SoftEther VPN Server Manager, click on “Operation” on the menu bar.
• Click on “Start” to start the SoftEther VPN Server.

Set up Clients:

• Install the appropriate client software for the VPN protocol you wish to use (e.g., OpenVPN client, L2TP/IPSec client, SSTP client).
• Configure the client software with the necessary connection details (e.g., server IP address, port number, authentication settings).
• Connect to the SoftEther VPN Server using the configured client software.

Please note that, in addition to these steps, we will provide a general overview of the setup process. The specific configuration options and settings may vary depending on your requirements and the version of SoftEther VPN Server you are using. It is recommended to refer to the SoftEther VPN documentation or user guides for more detailed instructions and troubleshooting assistance.