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Personal VPN Server

  • Geffers G
    • 237 posts
    October 3, 2023 11:42 AM PDT

    Personal VPN

    Many of us run servers on our home systems now, I personally run a number of different servers for use on my home network, naturally if away from home ports have to be opened up if we require access.

    One of the easiests ways I find is to run a personal VPN - I use a Raspeberry Pi computer for this purpose, first burn the Raspberry Pi OS and then install https://www.pivpn.io/ - it uses openVPN which is cross platform and therefore relatively easy to use.

    I am no expert on openVPN but using the installation script (I always view the script rather than run blindly, don't understand it all but at least have a look) it is up and running relatively quickly.  Once an openVPN configuration file is created then clients are available on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android to connect.

    Now, away from home use openVPN to connect and once confirmed connected you are now able to access any servers on your remote home network, the only port needed to be open on the router is the chosen openVPN port, default 1194.

    I live in UK but currently in California, able to access any files on my UK home network that I require, actually used a client on my firestick and therefore able to access UK streaming services  too, cancel VPN connection then get US streaming services.

    I am currently using an old Raspberry Pi 1 (They are up to Pi 5 now) for this purpose so not necessary to use a fast device, my upload speeds from UK are maximum 7mbps and often bit slower but have had no issues with streaming.

    Worth looking at.

    Geffers

  • Web Diva
    • Moderator
    • 329 posts
    October 3, 2023 2:09 PM PDT

    Very clever use to obtain your personal VPN. I will watch your video link and likely have more to share afterward.

    This is a pretty advanced system you use.  By your description I can see the complete benefits in your set up and very cool that you shared your tech with us.

    I'll have more to comment soon, thank you so much!

  • Geffers G
    • 237 posts
    October 3, 2023 5:58 PM PDT

    The Raspberry Pi devices are popular Single Board Computers (usually referred to as SBCs), started off as aimed at teaching children how to program, cheap to buy and have their own OS based on Linux Debian.  Using ARM processors they use very little power so are great for projects that are left on 24/7.

    https://www.raspberrypi.org/

    Almost embarrassed to say I have 12 of them, not because I needed 12 but because there have been numerous improvements since launch back in 2013 (I think), SBC hardware not upgradeable but as they are quite cheap it is economical to just buy a new one when a new version is launched.

    Geffers

     

     

     

  • Web Diva
    • Moderator
    • 329 posts
    October 7, 2023 8:31 PM PDT

    The Raspberry Pi devices are intriguing; especially as you use it for your personal VPN.  I have your link open to look at.  You have 12, wow! I wouldn't be embarrassed about how many you have.  Our family has "collections" from tech to plushies (plushies is a long story...lol). 

  • Geffers G
    • 237 posts
    October 8, 2023 10:56 AM PDT
    Web Diva said: The Raspberry Pi devices are intriguing; especially as you use it for your personal VPN. I have your link open to look at. You have 12, wow! I wouldn't be embarrassed about how many you have. Our family has "collections" from tech to plushies (plushies is a long story...lol). The 12 are due to, not only projects but also new upgraded versions that emerge. The later ones can run a proper desktop and deal with various video editing whereas the early models were aimed at command line use. Although I have 12 only 6 are currently engaged, two attached to older TVs which effectively makes the old TVs into smart TVs. Another is a file and web server, which makes stored files (and videos) available for streaming across my home network or to transfer files to my US friend. Another runs my personal VPN and an ad blocker and finally I have two that run aircraft tracking software. They can be used also for temporary hotspots and numerous other projects so even the spares get used occasionally. Geffers
  • Web Diva
    • Moderator
    • 329 posts
    October 8, 2023 1:27 PM PDT

    Head swimming....wowzers on your set up and how you are using your Raspberry Pi and beyond.

    This particular use of your Raspberry Pi is pretty cool as a webserver:

    @Geffers quote below:

    Another is a file and web server, which makes stored files (and videos) available for streaming across my home network or to transfer files to my US friend.

    Is the Raspberry Pi enough power to bring in a website to work offline to use as a web server?

  • Geffers G
    • 237 posts
    October 13, 2023 11:13 AM PDT

    Web Diva said: Head swimming....wowzers on your set up and how you are using your Raspberry Pi and beyond. This particular use of your Raspberry Pi is pretty cool as a webserver: @Geffers quote below: Another is a file and web server, which makes stored files (and videos) available for streaming across my home network or to transfer files to my US friend. Is the Raspberry Pi enough power to bring in a website to work offline to use as a web server?

    They have just released the Raspberry Pi 5 model, here is a 20 minute video from an excellent creator and he has made a subsequent video using same device for video editing.

    https://youtu.be/9hYfQ7bRgZg?si=aCfFgGmCf4FVYisk

    Hoping the YouTube link works, the formatting came out wrong and I had to edit my original reply, looks ok.

    Geffers


    This post was edited by Geffers G at October 13, 2023 11:18 AM PDT
  • Web Diva
    • Moderator
    • 329 posts
    October 13, 2023 11:32 AM PDT
    Geffers G said: Web Diva said: Head swimming....wowzers on your set up and how you are using your Raspberry Pi and beyond. This particular use of your Raspberry Pi is pretty cool as a webserver: @Geffers quote below: Another is a file and web server, which makes stored files (and videos) available for streaming across my home network or to transfer files to my US friend. Is the Raspberry Pi enough power to bring in a website to work offline to use as a web server? Oh cool...great @Geffers! Thank you for the video. On my way out the door, but I will look at it this afternoon when I get back and reply more. Thank you so much! They have just released the Raspberry Pi 5 model, here is a 20 minute video from an excellent creator and he has made a subsequent video using same device for video editing. [url=https://youtu.be/9hYfQ7bRgZg?si=aCfFgGmCf4FVYisk]https://youtu.be/9hYfQ7bRgZg?si=aCfFgGmCf4FVYisk Hoping the YouTube link works, the formatting came out wrong and I had to edit my original reply, looks ok. Geffers