Establishing a personal VPN server is essential for accessing local network resources remotely or bypassing geo-restrictions when abroad. The most common methods involve using either a router or a computer. All of ZBT's routers are equipped to host VPN servers efficiently. In this guide, we will use the ZBT ZX-Gateway, a cost-effective solution for running a high-speed and reliable VPN server.
Verify Your Public IP Address
Before setting up a VPN server, you must confirm you have a public IP address. Follow these steps to verify:
1. Google “What’s my IP” to view your current IP address.
2. Access your main router’s admin panel and check if the IP address matches your current IP.
If both addresses match, you possess a public IP. If they don’t, you will need to acquire one from your Internet Service Provider.
Step 1: Initiating the VPN Server
Access the Admin Panel
Log into the ZX-Gateway’s admin panel by entering 192.168.8.1 in your browser.
Starting the VPN
Navigate to the VPN tab in the admin panel. You can select either OpenVPN or WireGuard. For optimal speed, WireGuard is recommended.
- Choose a random "Listen Port" (maximum value is 65535).
- Click "Apply" to launch the server.
Step 2: Port Forwarding
Port forwarding is necessary if the VPN server’s data passes through additional devices before reaching the internet.
Setting Up Port Forwarding
To configure port forwarding for your VPN:
1. Enter the admin panel of the upstream device, like the Slate AX.
2. Go to "Firewall" and click "Add" under "Port Forwarding." Ensure the "External Port" matches the one on the VPN server.
3. Find the internal IP address by accessing the ZX-Gateway’s admin panel under "Internet."
Return to the VPN server’s admin panel, locate your server profile, and download the VPN configuration file or scan the QR code for mobile connections.
Step 3: Connecting Client Devices to the VPN Server
Connecting via Smartphone
Download the WireGuard app, click “Add a Tunnel,” and scan the QR code to connect to the VPN server.
Connecting via Computer
For computers, download the WireGuard app, export the VPN configuration file, and import it into the app. Ensure that the file name is valid and free from spaces or special characters.
Connecting a Router
To connect a ZBT router, go to the admin panel, click on "VPN," select "VPN Client," and click on “New Provider” to upload the configuration files. Afterward, activate the VPN from the dashboard.
Testing the VPN
To test the connection, ensure the client device (phone, computer, or router) is not on the same local network as the VPN server. Successful connections will show data usage on the VPN dashboard.
Troubleshooting and Support
For a detailed video tutorial, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0uBv1UJ1tA. If you encounter issues, contact our support team at support@zbt.com.
About ZBT
ZBT provides cutting-edge networking hardware and software, delivering secure and affordable connectivity solutions for homes and businesses globally. Serving a diverse range of industries, we solve daily networking challenges while offering advanced solutions for smart buildings and IoT networks. Our commitment to network security and reliability forms the foundation for long-term business success.