---
type: entity
title: OpenVPN
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-07-01
tags: [software, vpn, open-source, protocol, security]
related: [vpn-zugang, vpn, vpn-troubleshooting]
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_technische-infrastruktur-vpn.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_technische_infrastruktur_vpn.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_technische-infrastruktur-vpn-linux.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_technische_infrastruktur_vpn_linux.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_faq_netzwerk.md"]
---

# OpenVPN

**OpenVPN** (and the **OpenVPN Connect** client) is the underlying VPN software, protocol, and technology used by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] (URZ) and the Universität Greifswald to implement the university's VPN service and provide secure remote access to the university network.

## Configuration at Universität Greifswald

The implementation utilizes `.ovpn` profile files provided by the URZ. These files contain the necessary central server addresses, encryption settings, and configuration parameters required for the client software to establish a secure connection.

To establish a connection, users must supplement this profile with:
- Their specific [[p12-file]]
- Account credentials (specifically the **Zentraler Nutzeraccount** for user authentication)

## Platform-Specific Implementation

### Windows
- **Virtual Adapter**: Requires the installation of a **TAP-Windows Adapter**, a virtual network adapter essential for the VPN tunnel.
- **Routing**: The client requires administrator privileges to dynamically configure routing entries for university IP ranges (`141.53.0.0/16` and `10.0.0.0/8`).

### Linux
On Ubuntu-based systems, OpenVPN is integrated into the system via the Network Manager. For a graphical configuration, the following packages are required:
- `network-manager-openvpn`: The core dependency for managing OpenVPN connections.
- `network-manager-openvpn-gnome`: The plugin providing the user interface for GNOME and XFCE (Xubuntu) environments.

## Known Issues

- **Version Requirements**: Versions prior to 3.4.9 of OpenVPN Connect may trigger the error "External Certificate Signing Failed."
- **OS Bugs**: In Ubuntu 24.04, the native Network-Manager may prevent direct typing into the private key password field.