## What is a VPN?

When you connect to a VPN you "bypass" your own connection: it is the VPN's network that browses the Internet, and your communication happens only with the VPN server.

Our VPS allow you to install a VPN server, so that when you browse while connected, your outgoing IP is the VPS's IP. This technique is especially useful for:

- People living abroad who want to access the Internet with a **Spanish IP**.
- People who want a **static IP**: we never change your VPS's IP.
- People who want to **hide the real IP** of their connection.
- People with speed issues towards certain websites: our servers have a **10 Gbps** connection, so browsing speed is excellent.
- People who want more **privacy** on their Internet connection.

:::tip
If you prefer a more modern, lightweight alternative, check out our [WireGuard](../vps/crea-tu-servidor-vpn-con-wireguard) tutorial.
:::

## Installing the VPN

1. [Order a VPS](https://ginernet.com/es/vps/); the cheapest model will do.
2. Install it with **Ubuntu** ([step 2 of this guide](https://ginernet.com/es/doc/vps-doc/vps-gridcp-primeros-pasos/)).
3. Connect over SSH ([step 6 of the same guide](https://ginernet.com/es/doc/vps-doc/vps-gridcp-primeros-pasos/)).
4. Install **OpenVPN Access Server** with this command:

```bash
apt update && apt -y install ca-certificates wget net-tools gnupg; wget -qO - https://as-repository.openvpn.net/as-repo-public.gpg | apt-key add -; echo "deb http://as-repository.openvpn.net/as/debian bionic main">/etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-as-repo.list; apt update && apt -y install openvpn-as
```

:::info
The repository in the example targets Ubuntu 18.04 (`bionic`). If you use a newer release, check the [official OpenVPN Access Server documentation](https://openvpn.net/access-server/) for the matching repository line.
:::

5. Set a password for the `openvpn` user:

```bash
passwd openvpn
```

6. Open the OpenVPN management panel in your browser using your VPS's IP over HTTPS on port 943: **https://1.2.3.4:943** (replace `1.2.3.4` with your VPS's IP).

   - **Login:** `openvpn`
   - **Password:** the one you set in the previous step.

![OpenVPN Access Server panel login screen](/api/help/media/6af672b4-0d4a-4248-aedb-fd41c5adb9fe)

7. From the panel you can download the client for your operating system. Once installed, you can connect and disconnect whenever you like:

![OpenVPN client connected](/api/help/media/853af0c9-1248-462f-ac23-d0cff0ede2ea)

8. You can also access the full administration panel at: **https://1.2.3.4:943/admin**