Back to Blog
team@tinypod.app

Self-Hosting OpenVPN: Traditional VPN Server

OpenVPN is the most battle-tested open-source VPN. Runs over TCP or UDP, works behind restrictive firewalls, and supports every platform.

openvpnvpnnetworkingsecurity

What Is OpenVPN?


OpenVPN is the most widely-deployed open-source VPN solution. It's been around since 2001 and is proven at enterprise scale.


OpenVPN vs WireGuard


  • OpenVPN: TCP support (works behind firewalls), older protocol, larger codebase
  • WireGuard: UDP only, faster, simpler, modern crypto
  • Choose OpenVPN when you need TCP tunneling or are behind restrictive firewalls
  • Choose WireGuard for everything else

    • Features


  • SSL/TLS-based VPN
  • UDP and TCP transport
  • Certificate-based authentication
  • Username/password authentication
  • LDAP/RADIUS integration
  • Split tunneling
  • Client-specific routes

    • Deployment


    Use the OpenVPN Access Server for easier setup, or community edition for full control.


    Resources: 1 CPU, 256 MB RAM.


    OpenVPN remains relevant for environments where WireGuard's UDP-only approach doesn't work.