OpenVPNby SchoolForge updated September 20, 2011
OpenVPN is a full-featured SSL VPN solution.

Software Details

OpenVPN is a full-featured SSL VPN solution which can accomodate a wide range of configurations, including remote access, site-to-site VPNs, WiFi security, and enterprise-scale remote access solutions with load balancing, failover, and fine-grained access-controls (articles) (examples) (security overview) (non-english languages).

OpenVPN implements OSI layer 2 or 3 secure network extension using the industry standard SSL/TLS protocol, supports flexible client authentication methods based on certificates, smart cards, and/or 2-factor authentication, and allows user or group-specific access control policies using firewall rules applied to the VPN virtual interface. OpenVPN is not a web application proxy and does not operate through a web browser.

For a good conceptual introduction to OpenVPN, see the program notes for James Yonan's talk at Linux Fest Northwest 2004 -- Understanding the User-Space VPN: History, Conceptual Foundations, and Practical Usage. See also OpenVPN and the SSL VPN Revolution by Charlie Hosner.

OpenVPN is an Open Source project and is licensed under the GPL. Commercial licenses are also available for firms who would like to redistribute OpenVPN with their own proprietary applications. Contact info@openvpn.net for more information.

Reviews

1
a must-have tool for your remote access
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)

We currently use OpenVPN as our primary method of remote access to our college VLAN network. Due to higher level of security requirements (FERPA, .etc..), our student database is not accessible to outside of the university network. OpenVPN allows our faculty and staff members to have off campus access of students database and other serves restricted to the campus network. Our academic advisers find this software very useful since they often go to off-site for recruitments and need to access student database system from public network.
Setting up OpenVPN clients is very easy. If you are using MacOS, you can download the software with a DMG file and run the installer program. There are also mobile versions available on iOS App and Android stores. If your network administrator provides a specific way to download the software, you need follow it. In order to turn on VPN, just click “Connect to” on the menu bar. It will prompt you a password and connection is initiated. Once connection is established, you can think that your computer is virtually on your campus or corporate network. Your communication between your computer to VPN network is encrypted, so you can securely access services from public network like Starbucks cafe.