Introducing WireGuard: The Modern, Fast, and Simple VPN

A Lean and Mean Alternative to OpenVPN

While OpenVPN is powerful, it can be complex to set up. The ‘Ubuntu System Administration Guide’ also introduces WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol known for its simplicity, high performance, and small codebase.

The WireGuard Philosophy

WireGuard takes a different approach to VPNs. Instead of complex certificate management, it works similarly to SSH, using a simple exchange of public keys. Each device (both the server and the clients) generates a private/public key pair. You configure the server with the public keys of the clients that are allowed to connect, and you configure each client with the public key of the server.

Simple Configuration

The configuration is done in a straightforward text file where you define the interface’s IP address and the public keys and allowed IPs for each ‘peer’. This simplicity makes WireGuard incredibly easy to set up and debug.

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This post is based from content of the book Ubuntu System adminstration guide. And the book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mattias-Hemmingsson/author/B0FF5CQX13