How to Install OpenVPN on FreeBSD

Based on Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) Unix, FreeBSD is a popular free open-source Unix-like operating system that is used by millions of people all over the world including giant tech companies, such as: Sony Japan and Yahoo. Unlike most Linux-based operating systems, FreeBSD is a fully-fledged operating system with a fully-developed kernel, shell tool and device drivers. It is also packed with integrated tools necessary for installing third-party software programs. In addition, FreeBSD supports a wide range of network protocols, such as: IPv6, TCP/IP, IPSec, Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) and AppleTalk. According to the official website, “The goal of the FreeBSD Project is to provide a stable and fast general purpose operating system that may be used for any purpose without strings attached.”

In this tutorial, we will show you how you can very easily configure OpenVPN on FreeBSD in simple steps. Scroll down for more details.

Configuring OpenVPN on FreeBSD

Follow the steps below exactly as they are to be able to setup OpenVPN on FreeBSD. We will be using bVPN as an example of VPN service provider for demonstration purposes.

1- Run the following command as a superuser

sudo tcsh

2- Download the following OpenVPN components through the following command:

pkg update && pkg install openvpn unzip

3- Next, you will need to download OpenVPN configuration files and choose the server you prefer from the list provided by your VPN provider.

4- After importing OpenVPN configuration files, run the following command to insert your VPN login credentials:

echo  "username"  >> /usr/local/etc/openvpn/credentials
echo "CHANGE TO YOUR PASSWORD" >> /usr/local/etc/openvpn/credentials

5- Launch OpenVPN and check that all works properly through this command:

openvpn --config /usr/local/etc/openvpn/bvpn.conf --daemon

6- Run the following command after at least 30 seconds to verify your OpenVPN connection:

curl https://www.bvpn.com/v1/api/client/ptr

7- You should receive the following response:

{"status":true,"ip":"the external ip","ptr":"PTR for the IP address"}

Voila! You have successfully installed OpenVPN on FreeBSD. Now your VPN connection will automatically start on reboot. You can always communicate with your VPN administrator if you encounter any problems.