Exploring MikroTik Router VPN L2TP/IPSec Vs OpenVPN

Are you looking to configure VPN on your MikroTik router? Look no further. Here's a step-by-step guide to set up PPTP VPN server on your MikroTik router with ease.

But first, let's understand what is VPN and why do we need it.

What is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It allows you to connect to the internet securely and privately by creating a tunnel between your device and a remote server. This tunnel encrypts all the traffic between your device and the server, making it difficult for anyone to intercept your data or track your online activities.

Why do we need VPN on MikroTik Router?

There are several reasons why you may need to configure VPN on your MikroTik router:

Remote Access: You can access your home or office network remotely from anywhere in the world.
Secure Connection: VPN adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your online activities.
Bypass Restrictions: You can bypass internet censorship and access geo-restricted content.
Protect Privacy: VPN protects your privacy by masking your IP address and location.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configure PPTP VPN Server on MikroTik Router

Follow the steps below to set up PPTP VPN server on your MikroTik router:

Step 1: Log In to MikroTik Router

Open your web browser and enter the IP address of your MikroTik router in the address bar. You will be prompted to enter your username and password. Enter the default username and password which is "admin" for both.

Step 2: Create a PPTP Server

Click on the "PPP" tab on the left-hand side of the screen and select "PPTP Server". Click on the "+" button to add a new PPTP server.

Enter a name for the PPTP server and select the interface on which you want to run the PPTP server. By default, it will be set to your WAN interface.

Enter a range of IP addresses in the "Local Address" field. This range should not overlap with any other IP addresses on your network.

Enter the DNS servers that you want to use in the "DNS Servers" field. You can use the Google DNS servers which are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Select "mschap2" as your authentication method.

Click on the "Secrets" tab and add a username and password for the user who will connect to the VPN server.

Click on the "Apply" button to save your configuration.

Step 3: Set up NAT for PPTP Server

Click on the "IP" tab on the left-hand side of the screen and select "Firewall". Click on the "NAT" tab and then click on the "+" button to add a new NAT rule.

Enter a name for the rule and select "pptp" as the "Chain".

Enter the IP address of your PPTP server in the "Dst. Address" field.

Enter the port number 1723 in the "Dst. Port" field.

Click on the "Action" tab and select "dst-nat" from the drop-down menu.

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Enter the IP address of your PPTP server in the "To Address" field.

Enter the port number 1723 in the "To Ports" field.

Click on the "Apply" button to save your configuration.

Step 4: Configure Firewall Rules

Click on the "IP" tab on the left-hand side of the screen and select "Firewall". Click on the "Filter Rules" tab and then click on the "+" button to add a new firewall rule.

Enter a name for the rule and select "input" as the "Chain".

Select "pptp" as the "Protocol".

Click on the "Action" tab and select "accept" from the drop-down menu.

Click on the "Apply" button to save your configuration.

Step 5: Create a VPN Connection on Your Device

Now that you have configured VPN on your MikroTik router, you need to create a VPN connection on your device to connect to the VPN server.

Follow the steps below to create a VPN connection on your device:

Go to "Settings" on your device and select "Network & Internet".
Select "VPN" and then click on the "+" button to add a new VPN connection.
Enter the name of the VPN connection and select "PPTP" as the VPN type.
Enter the server address which is the IP address of your MikroTik router.
Enter the username and password that you created in Step 2.
Click on the "Save" button to save your configuration.
Click on the "Connect" button to connect to the VPN server.

That's it! You have successfully configured VPN on your MikroTik router and created a VPN connection on your device. Now you can access your home or office network securely and privately from anywhere in the world.

In Conclusion

Configuring VPN on your MikroTik router is not a difficult task if you follow the steps outlined above. VPN provides an extra layer of security and privacy to your online activities and allows you to bypass internet censorship and access geo-restricted content. Happy surfing!