OpenVPN
Free and open-source virtual private network software / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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OpenVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) system that implements techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It implements both client and server applications.
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Original author(s) | James Yonan |
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Developer(s) | OpenVPN project / OpenVPN Inc. |
Initial release | 13 May 2001; 23 years ago (2001-05-13)[1] |
Stable release | 2.6.10[2] (20 March 2024; 4 months ago (2024-03-20)) [±] |
Repository | |
Written in | C |
Platform | |
Type | VPN |
License | GNU GPLv2[10] |
Website | openvpn![]() |
OpenVPN allows peers to authenticate each other using pre-shared secret keys, certificates or username/password. When used in a multiclient-server configuration, it allows the server to release an authentication certificate for every client, using signatures and certificate authority.
It uses the OpenSSL encryption library extensively, as well as the TLS protocol, and contains many security and control features. It uses a custom security protocol[11] that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls.[citation needed]
OpenVPN has been ported and embedded to several systems. For example, DD-WRT has the OpenVPN server function. SoftEther VPN, a multi-protocol VPN server, also has an implementation of OpenVPN protocol.[citation needed]
It was written by James Yonan and is free software, released under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2).[12] Additionally, commercial licenses are available.[13]