Advanced VPN Configurations With MikroTik Routers Best Practices

If you are looking to connect with your work or business remotely and securely, then you need to configure a VPN connection on your MikroTik router. A virtual private network (VPN) is a private network that connects remote sites securely over the internet. A MikroTik VPN server configuration can be done easily. Here we provide step-by-step guidance to setup MikroTik VPN on your router.

Steps to Configure MikroTik VPN Server

Step 1: Update MikroTik RouterOS

Before starting the VPN configuration steps, ensure your MikroTik router has the latest RouterOS firmware installed. You can check for the updates in MikroTik's website. Updating your router firmware ensures smooth functioning of the router.

Step 2: Create a Pool of IP addresses

To create a VPN server, we first need to create IP address pools from which the VPN clients will be assigned IP addresses when they log in. Here's how you can create a pool of IP addresses:

Login to your MikroTik router via the web interface or WinBox.
Go to IP > Pools.
Click on the plus (+) icon to create a new IP Pool.
Enter a name for the pool, such as VPNpool.
Add the IP range for the pool. Example: 192.168.1.100-192.168.1.200.
Click on OK to save the settings.

Step 3: Add PPP Server

Now that we have created a pool of IP addresses, let's create a PPP server to handle VPN client connections.

Go to PPP > PPP Servers.
Click on the plus (+) icon to create a new PPP server.
Enter a name for the server, such as VPNserver.
Set the authentication protocol to PPTP.
Choose the IP pool created in step 2 as the remote address.
Click on Apply and then OK to save your settings.

Step 4: Configure VPN User Accounts

To allow VPN clients to connect to the MikroTik VPN server, we need to create user accounts on the router. Here's how to configure VPN user accounts:

Go to PPP > Secrets.
Click on the plus (+) icon to create a new user account.
Set the name field to any name of your choice.
Fill in the password field with a strong password.
Set the service field to PPTP.
Select the VPNserver created in step 3 as the profile.
Click on OK to save the settings.

Step 5: Allow PPTP Connections Through Firewall

Now that we have set up our VPN server, we need to allow PPTP connections to pass through the firewall. Here's how to do it:

Go to IP > Firewall.
Click on the plus (+) icon to create a new firewall rule.
Set the chain field to input.
Set the protocol field to tcp.
Set the dst port field to 1723.
Click on the advanced tab and select PPTP in the protocol field.
Click on OK to save the settings.

These are the simple yet effective steps to configure a MikroTik VPN server. Once the configuration is done successfully, the remote client can connect with the server

Advantages of MikroTik VPN Server

1. Secure Connectivity

One of the most significant benefits of MikroTik VPN server is enhanced security. By using a VPN, data transmitted between two endpoints can be encrypted. The VPN server encrypts the data sent over the internet, making it impossible to intercept or read by attackers.

2. Remote Access

With MikroTik VPN server, you can easily access your office files and network resources remotely. You can connect to your VPN from any location and share files and documents with your co-workers or clients.

3. Secure Communication over Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are prone to hacking and cyber-attacks, and therefore, you need to ensure that your browsing data is secure over public Wi-Fi. By using a MikroTik VPN server, you can secure your online communication even when you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

4. Improved Speed

MikroTik VPN server also enhances network speed. When you use a VPN server, your connection is routed through a remote server, which means that your data is transmitted through a faster network than your regular ISP connection.

Conclusion

A MikroTik VPN server provides a secure and remote connection between two devices over the internet. It is easy to configure and set up. By following the steps mentioned above, you can configure your VPN server quickly and ensure that your sensitive data remains secure.

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