Use an AWS instance to act as a VPN gateway.
Use an AWS instance to act as a VPN gateway.
Hello, I see you're exploring network configurations for your work. It sounds like you're trying to set up a secure connection using an EC2 instance on AWS. Since you're under the free tier, you might want to look into cost-effective VPN solutions like AWS PrivateLink or using a VPN gateway service. Let me know if you'd like more details!
It varies based on the volume of traffic you anticipate. Transferring large amounts of data makes data transfer fees expensive, so a conventional VPN might be more suitable—or you could consider a provider offering generous data limits at reduced rates.
It seems like you're exploring OpenVPN for the first time, though it feels more like a proof of concept right now. I'm still getting the hang of its many features and settings, which can be a bit overwhelming. While it's powerful, convincing someone to adopt it might be tricky.
Have you checked OpenVPN's AWS pre-installed solutions? It’s straightforward to get someone to connect, though the approach may vary based on how you define accessing a customer’s site.
We're just trying to get remote access to customers' HVAC systems safely. With recent security breaches, both our clients and us are worried about exposing their systems online. We've been testing routers with built-in OpenVPN servers and some Tosibox models, but it's been tricky when they don't allow network access. Using a USB cellular modem has been necessary, though it adds complexity. Even with that, routing through a cloud server seems like a potential solution, but it might require more effort than expected.
They likely prefer placing the VPN server within their own network instead of relying on AWS or a site-to-site connection. They may already have virtual infrastructure ready to support the OpenVPN device. Alternatively, they could use a firewall with built-in VPN capabilities.
This situation highlights the main challenge. We manage numerous clients—though the precise count isn’t clear—and need remote access for them. We also handle sensitive government and military roles whose systems are fully secured and inaccessible. I require a solution that can be deployed swiftly, moved between locations, and operates independently of client software. Getting ports open on internal networks is already difficult enough; now we need something that works without relying on anything running on the client side.
Sure, let me clarify. You're asking about connecting their remote network to a server and then linking to that server directly. Would it be better to run the OpenVPN appliance at your office instead of using an AWS connection? I understand the challenges in government or military environments—avoiding cellular devices is preferable.
Sure, that sounds like a possible approach. It might still need a connection from the customer's side. Using a router with a USB modem could provide the network access, and then routing that traffic to the OpenVPN server at our office could work. I'll check our routers for you. Thanks for the suggestions!
You require minimal data through the link. Connect via a Raspberry Pi running Linux, with an OpenVPN client installed, and a 4G dongle for connectivity. It works seamlessly.