{"id":42079,"date":"2026-11-04T14:14:40","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T14:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fastestvpn.com\/resources\/?p=42079"},"modified":"2026-11-11T07:41:55","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T07:41:55","slug":"what-is-openvpn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fastestvpn.com\/resources\/what-is-openvpn\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is OpenVPN? How It Works, Vulnerabilities & More","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

What is OpenVPN? Most VPNs have the OpenVPN protocol; you can either set it as the default or tweak it in the VPN\u2019s settings.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some set it because it looked familiar, or because it was already selected. But what actually is it? Why do so many providers still rely on a protocol that’s been around for over two decades?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

The short answer is that OpenVPN is the workhorse of the VPN world. It may not be the fastest or the newest, but it’s earned a reputation for being reliable, secure, and incredibly flexible.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide breaks down what OpenVPN is, how it works, where it\u2019s best used, and its cons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n Get FastestVPN <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is OpenVPN?<\/h2>\n

OpenVPN is a VPN protocol. It defines how your device talks to a VPN server. It handles the handshake, encryption, and the way your data travels through the tunnel.<\/span><\/p>\n

OpenVPN has been around for over two decades, released in 2001 by James Yonan. It’s open-source, which means anyone can inspect its code, find bugs, and suggest fixes. That transparency is a big reason security experts trust it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike some newer protocols that run on a fixed set of rules, OpenVPN is highly configurable. You can run it over UDP for speed or TCP for reliability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can choose from a wide range of encryption ciphers. You can even set it up on a router, a Raspberry Pi, or a server you control. That flexibility is both OpenVPN’s greatest strength and its biggest headache. We\u2019ll get into that later on, but first, let\u2019s talk about how OpenVPN works.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does OpenVPN Work?<\/h2>\n

OpenVPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Here’s the simplified version of what happens when you hit “Connect.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1 – The Handshake<\/h3>\n

Your VPN client reaches out to the server. They introduce themselves and agree on how they’ll communicate. OpenVPN uses SSL\/TLS, the same technology that secures HTTPS websites, to establish a trusted connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2 – Authentication<\/h3>\n

The server checks that you are who you say you are. OpenVPN supports several methods of authentication. These include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n