In this chapter we will create an encryption key for OpenVPN and use it to set up our first OpenVPN tunnel between two Windows systems in the same network. By doing so, we have a test-bed environment where no problems with firewalls or routers will interfere with our OpenVPN setup, and we can concentrate on learning how to create tunnels.
A little work on the configuration file needs to be done and the key has to be exchanged between these systems. After this, the tunnel will be started and tested with the ping command. We will then copy the key on a Linux system and connect this system with a tunnel to the first Windows machine. As a last step, we will ensure that OpenVPN is run automatically on both systems and have a look at the Service Manager on Windows and the init system on Linux.