Setting Up VPN On MikroTik Routers A Comprehensive Tutorial

We all know the importance of a secure internet connection, especially when it comes to accessing sensitive information and performing critical tasks online. In a world where hackers and cybercriminals are always on the lookout for easy prey, it is crucial to ensure your online security is watertight. One great way to achieve this is by setting up a MikroTik VPN server. Here, we will discuss how to configure your MikroTik VPN server with PPTP, allowing you to connect remote clients to your network securely. But first, let's take a look at what exactly a VPN is and how it can help keep you safe online.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure and private network that allows you to connect to the internet through a private tunnel. This tunnel encrypts all the data transmitted between your device and the VPN server, ensuring that no one else can see your online activities. Using a VPN has several benefits, including:

Increased online anonymity
Securely accessing public Wi-Fi networks
Bypassing internet censorship
Getting around geo-restrictions
Protecting your sensitive information

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a VPN is, let's dive into the configuration of MikroTik VPN with PPTP.

Configuring MikroTik VPN with PPTP

Follow these simple steps to configure your MikroTik VPN server with PPTP:

Step 1: Enable PPTP

The first thing you need to do is enable the PPTP server on your MikroTik router. To do this, login to your MikroTik router and follow these steps:

Click on the "IP" menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
Select "Services".
Click on the "pptp" tab.
Check the "enabled" box to enable the PPTP server.

Once you have enabled the PPTP server, you can configure the specific settings for your MikroTik VPN server.

Step 2: Configure PPTP Settings

To configure your PPTP settings, follow these steps:

Select the "Profiles" tab.
Click on "Default".
Under the "General" tab, configure the following settings:
- Type "pptp-in" in the "Name" field.
- Uncheck the "Use IPSec" box.
- Select the "MSCHAP2" authentication protocol.
- Enter a password in the "Password" field.
- Set the "Encryption" to "yes".
- Configure the "MRRU" to "1600".
Under the "Addresses" tab, configure the following settings:
- Create a new IP pool by entering a range of IP addresses in the "Address" field.
- Set the DNS server to the IP address of your MikroTik router.

Once you have configured these settings, save your changes and move onto the next step.

Step 3: Create PPTP User Accounts

To create PPTP user accounts, follow these steps:

Select the "Secrets" tab.
Create a new user account by clicking on the "+" icon.
Enter a username in the "Name" field.
Enter a password in the "Password" field.
Select the "pptp-in" profile in the "Profile" drop-down menu.

Repeat these steps for each remote client that you want to connect to your MikroTik VPN server.

Step 4: Configure DNS and Firewall Settings

To ensure that your remote clients can connect to the internet through your MikroTik VPN server, you need to configure DNS and firewall settings. Follow these steps to configure your DNS and firewall settings:

Click on the "IP" menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
Select "DNS".
Enter the DNS server IP address in the "Servers" field.
Select the "Allow Remote Requests" box.
Click on "Apply" to save your changes.
Select "Firewall".
Click on the "NAT" tab.
Create a new NAT rule by clicking on the "+" icon.
Under the "General" tab, configure the following settings:
- Select "srcnat" in the "Chain" field.
- Select "pptp-in" in the "In. Interface" field.
- Select "action: masquerade" in the "Action" drop-down menu.

Once you have configured these settings, your MikroTik VPN server is ready to accept connections from remote clients.

Connecting to Your MikroTik VPN Server

To connect to your MikroTik VPN server, follow these steps:

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Open the Network and Sharing Center on your remote client device.
Select "Set up a new connection or network".
Select "Connect to a workplace" and click "Next".
Select "Use my Internet connection (VPN)".
Enter the IP address of your MikroTik VPN server in the "Internet address" field.
Enter a name for the connection in the "Destination name" field.
Check the "Don't connect now; just set it up so I can connect later" box.
Select "Next".
Enter your username and password in the appropriate fields.
Finally, click on "Connect" to establish a connection to your MikroTik VPN server.

Once you have connected to your MikroTik VPN server, you will have access to your private network securely and anonymously.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up a MikroTik VPN server with PPTP is a great way to ensure your online security and protect your sensitive information. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create a secure and private network that allows you to access the internet safely from anywhere in the world. So why wait? Get started today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your online activities are private and secure.