Can i create a "VPN" for my friend in a different country to use?

VPN
1

I saw somewhere online that if i have a static ip address i can let my friend use it as a VPN.

My friend is russian and so is blocked out from a lot of stuff so i’d like to help them if i can, is this possible, and if so how?

2

Wifi routers from ASUS or Tp-link sometime have a build in openvpn server that you can use. It was very easy for me to set up after logging in to my router. Once I enabled the openvpn server, it download a configuration file. You can send this to your friend and he can use this configuration file with the free openvpn connect program to connect through your computer. I don’t have a static ip but it doesn’t change unless the cable modem is reset. His speed will be limited by how fast your upload speed is.

3

It is very possible to do. You could set up a cloud server and install something like WireGuard. Digital Ocean has some excellent guides. It’s going to take some technical know-how though. How technically savvy are you?

4

You don’t need a static IP. Use Dynamic DNS.

5

I want to put in a plug for piVPN. I have several Raspberry Pi computers at different properties I have. It lets me be on the network remotely. Very handy.

Read about it here https://pivpn.io/ Extraordinarily easy to setup. RPi ownership not required, you can implement on a variety of platforms.

6

I have Asus router and I have Open VPN setup in order to access files at home.

You need to send .ovpn setup file and login info to your friend

7

thank you, i might try this

8

I’ve got it and followed their video tutorial, it seems like an easy setup. Tho is there a way i can test it on my own? i’ve enabled openvpn on my router, and then tried to import my own router profile in openVPN connect on my own computer. But there i get a timeout error. Is it not possible when you’re already connected or is it an actual error. How could i fix it?

EDIT:

i had success after switching from UDP to TCP, hoping it works just as easily when i share it with my friend in russia

9

i recently got my Russian friend to try this, though the connection timed out, when attempting to connect. It was after my internet was messy so I’ll maybe try again though.

is there any tips tricks or useful stuff to know when trying this?

10

https://www.youtube.com/results?search\_query=openvpn+server+router

11

a little bit, but network/ip stuff had always been hard for me, if there’s some guides i could follow I’d appreciate it

12

Before you tackle this project, I’d suggest doing some learning about TCP/IP networks. Simply use your favorite search engine and ask basic questions about things like how DNS works, how switching and routing work, TCP/IP, Linux, etc. Be your own self teacher. Jumping into the world of VPN tunnels without understanding the basics is like trying to run before you’ve learned to walk.

Following a how-to guide by copying and pasting will only work if you know what it is that you’re copying and pasting and you have a good idea about what you’re doing. These types of guides assume you have some intermediate skills at troubleshooting when, despite following the guide, it is still not working.

I don’t mean to be discouraging here because doing the learning is an extremely rewarding experience as we all have to start somewhere. I began using the internet in 1994 and I’m still learning today. Maybe start by simply googling, “What is a TCP/IP network?” or “What is an IP address?” Rather than look for videos, start by reading. By taking this approach, you also develop good research skills. Research skills are an important aspect of troubleshooting.