COMPUTING > Virtual Private Cloud > VMware vCloud Director > How to connect to a VPN using OpenVPN

3.4.2 How to connect to a VPN using OpenVPN

A VPN is a virtual private network that enables you to access the internet or certain services even from a non-secure network. It is effectively like being physically connected to a private network: you can access, for example, your bank account or make payments without worrying that traffic from your device could be intercepted.

This guide explains how to access a VPN created using OpenVPN, connecting by means of a Client installed on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems, on either iOS or Android mobile devices.

If you need to first create a VPN on your Server using OpenVPN software, we recommend checking the guides on how to create and configure a VPN with OpenVPN on Windows Server 2019 or Ubuntu 20.04.
 
Download the correct Client version for your operating system from https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/ and run as administrator.

Copy the .ovpn file into the C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config folder.



The program must always be run as administrator. To avoid having to specify this each time, right click on the connection icon:
"Owner" > "Compatibility" -> "Run this program as administrator" with your mouse.



Start the program, then click on the OpenVPN icon in the tool bar, select the .ovpn file and click on "Connect".



To disconnect, repeat the last operation.
Download and install the version for your operating system from https://tunnelblick.net/downloads.html.

Once installation is complete, click on the "I have the configuration files" option. Next, use Finder to locate the .ovpn file with which you can install the user profile in the program.

Open Tunnelblock and click on the icon in the top right corner, then click on "Connect".
Install the OpenVPN Client:

Debian
 

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install openvpn

CentOS
 

$ sudo yum install epel-release
$ sudo yum install openvpn

Check the files in the openvpn folder:
 

$ ls /etc/openvpn

Transfer the .ovpn file into this folder.

If there is an update-resolv-conf file, edit the recently transferred .ovpn file:
 

$ sudo nano file.ovpn

Uncomment the following 3 commands:
 

script-security 2
up /etc/openvpn/update-resolv-conf
down /etc/openvpn/update-resolv-conf

Save and exit. Finally, start the connection:
 

$ sudo openvpn --config file.ovpn

Install the OpenVPN Client from the App Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id590379981.



Open iTunes, and select "iPhone" > "Apps" > "File Sharing" and drag the .ovpn file to the window displayed.
The app will open on your iPhone, then select "OVPN Profile".



Press "ADD" to automatically add the profile.



Tap on the button next to it to start the connection.



Tap on the same button a second time to disable.

Install the OpenVPN Client from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.openvpn.openvpn.



Transfer the .ovpn file onto the device.

Click on the menu (3 dots on the top right) and select "Import".

Navigate to the folder in which the file has been placed and select it.



Press "Connect" to authorize the app, marking it as "authorized".



To disable the connection, click on "Disconnect".