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093 | OpenVPN Setup: Explaining the Basics

August 26, 2025

#OpenVPN #VPN #Setup #PKI #Server #Client

VPN: Not Just an “On” Button

For many users, a VPN is simply an “On” button. However, when it comes to building your own secure tunnel, it’s important to understand its architecture. OpenVPN is based on two key ideas: the client-server model and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

The Client-Server Model

The concept is simple:

  • Server — the entry point into your secure network. It constantly “listens” for incoming requests and is ready to accept connections.
  • Client — your device (laptop, phone) that initiates the connection to the server.

Once the server and client “agree,” a secure tunnel is created between them, and all traffic passes through it.