Setting up an OpenVPN server on TrueNAS can seem daunting, but fear not! This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through each step, ensuring you create a secure and reliable VPN server directly from your TrueNAS system. By the end of this guide, you'll have a fully functional OpenVPN server, allowing you to securely access your home network from anywhere in the world. Let's dive in!

Why Run OpenVPN on TrueNAS?

Before we get started, let's talk about why you might want to run OpenVPN on your TrueNAS server. TrueNAS is already a powerhouse for data storage and management, so leveraging it for VPN services makes perfect sense.

• Centralized Management: Consolidating your file storage and VPN server on a single device simplifies management and reduces the number of devices you need to maintain. This means fewer updates, fewer configurations, and less overall hassle. Guys, who doesn't love a simplified setup?
• Enhanced Security: OpenVPN is a highly secure VPN protocol, known for its robust encryption and authentication methods. By hosting it on your TrueNAS, you gain direct control over your VPN's security settings, ensuring your data remains private and protected. This is especially important when accessing sensitive data remotely.
• Cost-Effective: Running OpenVPN on TrueNAS eliminates the need for a dedicated VPN appliance or service. You're already using TrueNAS, so you're essentially getting a VPN server for free! This can save you significant money in the long run, especially if you're currently paying for a VPN subscription.
• Customization and Control: Unlike commercial VPN services, you have complete control over your OpenVPN server on TrueNAS. You can customize the configuration to meet your specific needs, such as setting up specific routing rules or implementing advanced security measures. For those of you who like to tinker, this is a huge advantage.
• Access to Local Resources: With a TrueNAS OpenVPN server, you can securely access all the resources on your home network as if you were physically there. This includes file shares, media servers, and other network devices. This is incredibly useful for accessing important files or streaming media while traveling.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

• A Running TrueNAS System: Obviously, you need a functioning TrueNAS installation. Make sure it's up-to-date for the best security and stability.
• A Static IP Address or Dynamic DNS (DDNS): You'll need a way to consistently access your TrueNAS server from the internet. A static IP address is ideal, but if your ISP doesn't provide one, a DDNS service is a great alternative. Services like DuckDNS or No-IP can help you with this.
• Basic Networking Knowledge: Familiarity with networking concepts like port forwarding and IP addresses will be helpful.
• Administrative Access to Your Router: You'll need to be able to configure port forwarding on your router to direct traffic to your TrueNAS server.

Step 1: Install the OpenVPN Plugin

TrueNAS makes it incredibly easy to install OpenVPN thanks to its plugin system. Here's how to do it:

1. Log in to your TrueNAS web interface.
2. Navigate to Plugins. You'll find this in the left-hand menu.
3. Search for OpenVPN. Use the search bar to quickly locate the OpenVPN plugin.
4. Click Install. This will start the installation process. You'll be prompted to configure the plugin.
5. Configure the Plugin:
   • Plugin Name/Jail Name: Give your plugin a descriptive name (e.g., OpenVPN). I suggest keeping it simple so you can remember it later.
   • Network Configuration: Generally, you can leave the default settings here unless you have specific network requirements. Ensure the jail gets an IP address on your network.
   • Click Save. TrueNAS will now download and install the OpenVPN plugin in a new jail.

Step 2: Configure the OpenVPN Server

Once the plugin is installed, it's time to configure the OpenVPN server. This involves setting up the server's network settings, creating certificates, and defining user access.

1. Access the OpenVPN Jail Console: Go to Jails, find your OpenVPN jail, and click on Shell. This will open a command-line interface within the jail.
2. Start the OpenVPN Configuration Script: Inside the jail console, run the following command:

   /usr/local/etc/rc.d/openvpn onestart
   

   This command starts the OpenVPN service and initiates the initial configuration.
3. Answer the Configuration Questions: The script will ask you a series of questions. Here's a breakdown of what they mean and how to answer them:
   • Please enter the IP address of the OpenVPN server: This should be the IP address of your TrueNAS server on your local network. If your TrueNAS has a static IP, enter that. Otherwise, enter the IP assigned to the OpenVPN jail.
   • Please enter the port number for the OpenVPN server: The default port is 1194, which is generally fine. However, some ISPs might block this port. If you suspect this is the case, choose a different port (e.g., 443, which is used for HTTPS).
   • Please enter the protocol for the OpenVPN server: UDP is generally preferred for its speed and performance. However, if you're experiencing connectivity issues, you can try TCP.
   • Please enter the encryption cipher for the OpenVPN server: AES-256-CBC is a good choice for strong encryption. Unless you have a specific reason to choose another cipher, stick with this one.
   • Please enter the DNS server to push to the clients: This is the DNS server that OpenVPN clients will use when connected to the VPN. You can use your router's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) or a public DNS server like Google's (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1).
   • Do you want to enable compression?: Compression can improve performance on slower connections, but it can also introduce security vulnerabilities. It's generally recommended to disable compression (answer 'no').
   • Do you want to customize your OpenVPN configuration?: If you're an advanced user, you can choose to customize the configuration. However, for most users, the default settings are sufficient (answer 'no').
4. Wait for the Configuration to Complete: The script will generate the necessary certificates and configuration files. This may take a few minutes.

Step 3: Configure Port Forwarding on Your Router

To allow OpenVPN clients to connect to your server from the internet, you need to configure port forwarding on your router. This tells your router to forward traffic on the OpenVPN port to your TrueNAS server.

1. Log in to your router's web interface. The process for this varies depending on your router's make and model. Consult your router's documentation for instructions.
2. Navigate to the Port Forwarding section. This is usually found under Advanced Settings, Firewall, or a similar category.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule.
   • Service Name: Give the rule a descriptive name (e.g., OpenVPN).
   • Protocol: Select the protocol you chose during the OpenVPN configuration (UDP or TCP).
   • External Port: Enter the port number you chose during the OpenVPN configuration (e.g., 1194).
   • Internal Port: Enter the same port number as the external port (e.g., 1194).
   • Internal IP Address: Enter the IP address of your TrueNAS server on your local network.
4. Save the port forwarding rule.

Step 4: Create OpenVPN Client Configuration Files

Now that the server is configured and port forwarding is set up, you need to create client configuration files for each device that will connect to the VPN. These files contain the necessary information for the client to authenticate with the server.

1. Access the OpenVPN Jail Console: As before, go to Jails, find your OpenVPN jail, and click on Shell.
2. Run the Client Configuration Script: Inside the jail console, run the following command:

   /usr/local/sbin/ovpn_createclient <client_name>
   

   Replace <client_name> with a unique name for each client (e.g., myphone, mylaptop). This will create a configuration file named <client_name>.ovpn in the /root directory of the jail.
3. Retrieve the Client Configuration File: There are several ways to retrieve the client configuration file:
   • Using SCP: You can use SCP (Secure Copy) to copy the file from the jail to your local machine. For example:

     scp root@<truenas_ip>:/root/<client_name>.ovpn . 
     

     Replace <truenas_ip> with the IP address of your TrueNAS server.
   • Using the TrueNAS Web Interface: You can use the TrueNAS web interface to download the file. Navigate to Shell, then browse to the /root directory. You should see the client configuration file. You can then download it to your local machine.

Step 5: Install and Configure the OpenVPN Client

Now that you have the client configuration file, you need to install an OpenVPN client on each device that will connect to the VPN. There are OpenVPN clients available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

1. Download and Install an OpenVPN Client:
   • Windows: Download OpenVPN Connect from the OpenVPN website.
   • macOS: Download Tunnelblick from the Tunnelblick website.
   • Linux: Use your distribution's package manager to install OpenVPN (e.g., sudo apt-get install openvpn on Debian/Ubuntu).
   • Android: Download OpenVPN Connect from the Google Play Store.
   • iOS: Download OpenVPN Connect from the Apple App Store.
2. Import the Client Configuration File:
   • OpenVPN Connect (Windows, Android, iOS): Open the OpenVPN Connect app and import the .ovpn file. You may need to grant the app permission to access your files.
   • Tunnelblick (macOS): Double-click the .ovpn file. Tunnelblick will automatically import the configuration.
   • Linux: Copy the .ovpn file to the /etc/openvpn/client directory (or a similar location) and start the OpenVPN client using the command line (e.g., sudo openvpn --config <client_name>.ovpn).
3. Connect to the VPN: Once the configuration file is imported, you can connect to the VPN using the OpenVPN client. You may be prompted for your TrueNAS username and password.

Step 6: Test Your OpenVPN Connection

After connecting to the VPN, it's important to test the connection to make sure everything is working properly.

1. Check Your IP Address: After connecting to the VPN, your public IP address should change to the IP address of your TrueNAS server. You can check your IP address by visiting a website like ipinfo.io.
2. Access Resources on Your Home Network: Try accessing resources on your home network, such as file shares, media servers, or other network devices. If you can access these resources, your VPN is working correctly.
3. Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing problems connecting to the VPN, check the following:
   • Firewall: Make sure your firewall isn't blocking OpenVPN traffic.
   • Port Forwarding: Double-check that port forwarding is configured correctly on your router.
   • DNS Settings: Ensure your DNS settings are correct.
   • OpenVPN Logs: Check the OpenVPN logs for any errors.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully set up an OpenVPN server on TrueNAS. You can now securely access your home network from anywhere in the world. By following this tutorial, you've taken control of your data security and privacy. Enjoy the freedom and security that OpenVPN on TrueNAS provides! Remember to keep your TrueNAS system and OpenVPN plugin updated for the latest security patches and features. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Good luck, and happy networking!