1. Introduction

1.1 Why I wrote this HOWTO

I work Real Networks, and we needed VPN service. This was my first real project, and I truly learned more about Linux with this than with any other task. I ended up using my experience with that project to write this document, to share with others what I learned, so that they can do ultra-nifty things with Linux too!

1.2 Acknowledgements and Thanks

I want to first and foremost thank my wife Julie, without her, I wouldn't be where I am today. I also want to thank Arpad Magosanyi, the author of the first VPN mini-howto and pty-redir, the utility that makes all of this possible. Jerry, Rod, Glen, Mark V., Mark W., and David, You guys rock! Thanks for all your help.

1.3 Format of this document

This document is broken down into 5 sections.

Section 1: Introduction

This section

Section 2: Theory

Basic VPN theory. What is a VPN, and how does it work. Read this if you are entirely new to VPN.

Section 3: Server

This section describes how a VPN server is set up.

Section 4: Client

This section describes how a VPN client is set up.

Section 5: Implementation

A step by step implementation of a sample VPN setup.

Section 6: Addenda

Other bits and pieces of info that you might find helpful.

1.4 Copyright and Disclaimer

Copyright (c) by Matthew Wilson. This document may be distributed only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the LDP License at http://www.linuxdoc.org/COPYRIGHT.html, except that this document must not be distributed in modified form without the author's consent.

The author assumes no responsibility for anything done with this document, nor does he make any warranty, implied or explicit. If you break it, it's not my fault. Remember, what you do here could make very large holes in the security model of your network. You've been warned.

1.5 Document History

The original VPN mini-HOWTO was written by Arpad Magosanyi in 1997. He has since allowed me to take up the document and extend it into a full HOWTO. All of this would not be possible without his original document. Thanks again Arpad. :)

Version 1.0 of this HOWTO was completed on December 10, 1999.

1.6 Related Documents

• Networking Overview HOWTO
• Networking HOWTO
• VPN-Masquerade HOWTO