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VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network. Connecting to a VPN enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were connected to a private network. The benefits of a VPN include an increase in functionality, and security, as well as access to resources that are inaccessible on the public network.

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Learn more about VPNs here.

Activation​

At the bottom of the network interfaces list of the NETWORKING card, the VPN feature can be activated (currently greyed out in the image below).

VPN Activation

VPN Activation

To activate your VPN access, select the Activate VPN button (shown in the image below).

VPN Activation

VPN Activation

Your VPN feature is now activated and ready to be used.

Using a VPN in your Edge Node​

Once activated, the VPN area displays:

  • The Edge Node’s IP
  • A toggle button to turn the VPN OFF/ON :

VPN IP

VPN IP

When the icon is blue, your Edge Node's VPN is activated and appears as VPN ON. Any device connected to the same VPN can access it using the IP shown.

Connecting to your Edge Node from your laptop​

To connect to your Edge Node using a VPN, your computer needs to have VPN software installed, such as Wireguard

Wireguard

Wireguard

Wireguard installation​

Download the installer here and follow the instructions to install it in your equipment.

1. Download Barbara VPN user config​

  • Once WireGuard is installed, go to the three-line menu on the top left in Barbara PANEL and open the VPN option.

VPN menu

VPN menu

  • Select the DOWNLOAD button to get the user configuration file (necessary to adjust settings in WireGuard). Save the file and continue.

2. Open WireGuard VPN Tunnel from the Barbara VPN user config file​

Wireguard Configuration

Wireguard Configuration

  • Open the WireGuard application and select “Import tunnel(s) from file”. Use the “user config” file that was downloaded in the previous step.

Wireguard Configuration

Wireguard Configuration

Once the file is loaded, a new tunnel appears in your application.

Wireguard Configuration

Wireguard Configuration

  • Select the “Activate” button.

The status of your VPN should now be “Active” and have a green checkmark.

3. Connect to your Edge Node from your laptop​

Once both VPNs (Edge Node and laptop) are active, the node and laptop can communicate.

In the example video below, an Edge Node is running a NodeRed application. We will connect that NodeRed from a different network using a VPN on our laptop.

VPN enable process

VPN enable process