Question 1

How do I change the AWS region for my VPN server with AWSVPN?

Accepted Answer

Update the region in your AWS CLI config file and modify the AMI ID in the vpn-ec2-start.sh script to match the available AMI in your desired region, as noted in the 'Known Issue' section of the README.

Question 2

AWSVPN vs a commercial VPN service: which is better for personal use?

Accepted Answer

AWSVPN offers more control and cost savings on AWS, but commercial VPNs provide easier setup, cross-platform apps, and no maintenance. Choose AWSVPN if you're comfortable with scripting and want AWS integration.

Question 3

Can I use OpenVPN instead of IPsec with AWSVPN?

Accepted Answer

No, AWSVPN is designed specifically for IPsec VPN. You would need to rewrite the installation script or use a different project that supports OpenVPN, as the README only covers IPsec setup.

Question 4

How secure is AWSVPN for handling sensitive data?

Accepted Answer

It uses IPsec with pre-shared keys and user authentication, which is secure, but security depends on proper configuration of AWS security groups and keeping scripts updated. Always follow best practices for credential management.

Question 5

What are the ongoing costs of running AWSVPN?

Accepted Answer

Costs are based on AWS EC2 instance usage (e.g., t2.micro for low cost), data transfer fees, and any additional AWS services. Use the termination script to stop instances when not in use to minimize expenses.

Question 6

How to troubleshoot connection issues with AWSVPN?

Accepted Answer

Check AWS security group rules for VPN ports, ensure scripts are correctly modified, verify VPN credentials in the install script, and review EC2 instance logs. The README references a blog post for detailed guidance.

AWSVPN

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