Enhancing VPN Security With MikroTik Routers Best Practices

MikroTik VPN Configuration with PPTP (Connecting Remote Client

If you're looking to establish a secure connection between your remote client and local network, you'll need to configure a VPN server. One option for setting up a VPN server is using MikroTik, a popular router brand offering a variety of features for networking. In this post, we'll cover how to configure a VPN server with PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) on MikroTik.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the configuration process, there are a few prerequisites you'll need to have in place:

A MikroTik router set up as the VPN server
A remote client (computer or mobile device) to connect to the VPN server
A basic understanding of MikroTik's RouterOS and command line interface (CLI)

Once you have these items in place, you're ready to begin configuring your VPN server.

1. Creating a PPTP Server Interface

The first step in configuring your VPN server is creating a PPTP server interface. To do this, log in to your MikroTik router and navigate to the Interfaces tab. Click on the + button to create a new interface.

From the New Interface window, select PPTP Server as the interface type. Give the interface a name, such as "VPN," and click Apply.

2. Configuring PPTP Settings

With your PPTP server interface created, you'll need to configure its settings. Open the PPP window and click on the Servers tab. From this tab, select your newly created PPTP server interface and click on Edit.

In the PPTP Server Configuration window, you'll need to configure a few settings:

Set Authentication to mschap2
Under Enabled Services, select PPTP and Click on Apply

3. Creating a PPP Profile

Next, you'll need to create a PPP profile for your VPN server. In the PPP window, click on the Profiles tab and then click on the + button to create a new profile.

From the New Profile window, give the profile a name (such as "VPN Profile") and set the Local Address and Remote Address to the IP range you'd like to use for your VPN network.

4. Creating a PPTP User

With your PPTP server interface and PPP profile configured, you'll need to create a user account that will be used to authenticate remote clients. To do this, open the Secrets window and click on +.

In the New PPP Secret window, enter a username and password for your remote client. Set the service to PPTP, select the previously created PPP profile, and click Apply.

5. Configuring Firewall Rules

Now that your PPTP server is configured, you'll need to create some firewall rules to allow incoming network traffic to reach the VPN server. Create the following firewall rules:

Allow incoming PPTP traffic: Input -> Chain=Input, Protocol=TCP, Dst Port=1723, In Interface=any
Allow GRE protocol traffic: Input -> Chain=Layer7 Protocols, Layer7 Protocol=Gre
Allow incoming VPN traffic: Input -> Chain=Forward, In Interface=VPN

Details

With your VPN server configured and ready to use, you can start connecting to it from your remote client. Simply enter the IP address of your MikroTik router along with the username and password you created in Step 4. Once connected, you'll have secure access to your local network and all connected devices.

Read also

Tips

Consider using strong passwords for your user accounts to prevent unauthorized access
If you're not familiar with MikroTik's CLI, you can also configure your VPN server using the Winbox GUI interface
For best performance, connect the VPN server directly to the internet rather than behind another router or firewall

FAQ

Q: Why use a VPN server?

A: A VPN server provides a secure way to connect to a remote network, allowing users to access resources and devices on the local network as if they were physically connected to it. This is useful for remote workers, businesses with multiple locations, and individuals seeking to secure their internet connection while browsing on public networks.

Q: Can I use other VPN protocols besides PPTP?

A: Yes, MikroTik supports several other VPN protocols, including L2TP, SSTP, and OpenVPN. Each protocol has its own unique features and strengths, so it's important to choose the protocol that best fits your needs.

Q: How do I troubleshoot VPN connection issues?

A: There are a few common reasons why a VPN connection may fail, including incorrect login credentials, firewall or routing issues, or problems with the VPN server itself. To troubleshoot these issues, start by double-checking your login credentials and ensuring that your firewall rules are properly configured. If the issue persists, try connecting from a different device or location to help isolate the cause of the problem. For more advanced troubleshooting, consult MikroTik's official documentation or seek assistance from a networking professional.

Conclusion

Configuring a VPN server with MikroTik is a straightforward process that can provide a secure way to connect to your remote network. By following the steps outlined in this post, you'll be well on your way to creating a stable and secure VPN connection that can be used by remote clients around the world. Remember to take the necessary precautions to keep your VPN server secure, such as using strong passwords and regular software updates.