Launch a VPN from Devbox

[jaylong255]

Here are the steps to install Pritunl VPN on an Ubuntu Linux EC2 instance:

Step 1: Update Your System

First, ensure your system is up-to-date:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install MongoDB

Pritunl requires MongoDB for its database. Install it with:

sudo apt install mongodb -y

After installation, you need to ensure MongoDB starts on boot:

sudo systemctl start mongod
sudo systemctl enable mongod

Step 3: Install Pritunl

Pritunl can be installed via its repository. Add the Pritunl repository:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pritunl/ppa

Then update your package list:

sudo apt update

Now install Pritunl:

sudo apt install pritunl -y

Step 4: Configure Pritunl

After installation, you'll need to set up Pritunl:

sudo pritunl setup

This command will guide you through setting up your server's settings, including:

• Server name
• Administrator email
• Administrator password
• Organization name
• License key (if you have purchased one)

Step 5: Start and Enable Pritunl

Start the Pritunl service:

sudo systemctl start pritunl

Enable Pritunl to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable pritunl

Step 6: Configure Security Group (AWS Specific)

• Log into your AWS Management Console.
• Navigate to EC2 instances.
• Select your instance and go to the 'Security Groups' section.
• Add inbound rules for the ports Pritunl uses:
  • TCP/UDP 1194 for OpenVPN
  • TCP/UDP 53 for DNS if you're using Pritunl's DNS features
  • TCP 443 for web management interface

Step 7: Access Pritunl Web Interface

Once Pritunl is up and running, you can access its web interface using your instance's public IP or DNS name on port 443 (HTTPS). Use the admin email and password you set during setup.

Step 8: Set Up VPN Clients

From the Pritunl web interface, you can create new VPN users or configure existing ones. You'll be able to download configuration files for clients or generate QR codes for mobile apps.

Additional Tips:

• Backup: Regularly back up your Pritunl configuration and MongoDB data.
• Security: Always keep your Pritunl and Ubuntu system updated with the latest security patches.
• Monitoring: Consider setting up monitoring for your VPN service, especially if it's critical infrastructure.

This setup should get you started with Pritunl on an Ubuntu EC2 instance. Remember, managing VPN services might require additional configurations depending on your network security policies and specific use cases.